IMAGESASIA Volume 3 Number 4 2017 Third Quarter Special Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50
the expressions of art, life and style
2016 BEST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Luis “Chavit” Singson
Publisher IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING Editor-in-Chief ERNEST GONZAGA Associate Editor ALEXIS CRUZ Contributing Columnist AGILE ABASTILLAS ZAMORA Managing Director/Head of Photography VOLTAIRE DOMINGO Advertising/Marketing ADVISION ASIA Graphic/Layout Director JOHN ERNEST GREGORY Photographers HENRY FERRER RONIN URBINA EJ AGUMBAY Contributing Photographers DEXTY MN ISAIAH GERMILLO JASON WASSDORP JIC CAFRANCA U.S.A. /Europe Photo Correspondents JAQUELINE ANDREA Las Vegas, NV IRVIN RIVERA Los Angeles, CA MJ CACHERO Geneva, Switzerland
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IMAGESASIA is published by IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING 6/F Raha Sulayman Building Benavides St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines SMS 0906 565 9436 and the PHILIPPINE AMERICAN PRATTLER 1000 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. No. 209 9148539 www.images-asia.com 2017 Copyright IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING. All rights reserved. Printed in the Republic of the Philippines. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher.
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LUIS ‘CHAVIT” SINGSON The Man, The Myth, The Legend
What is there to say that hasn’t been said about Luis ‘Chavit” Singson? A lot apparently. Because in spite of so much talk about him, there is a lot of mystery surrounding Chavit. Despite being a mainstay in news and magazines, there is still a lot of secrecy that shrouds him. So much so that there are so many myths and theories that abound regarding Chavit and what he is all about. In that secrecy lies one of the secrets behind Chavit’s staying power in Philippine society. Chavit goes beyond political parties, lines and boundaries. Politics does not define the man, rather he defines politics on his own terms. And these terms dictate that with or without politics, Chavit remains who he is. After all there are so many aspects to him that a setback in one hardly changes the essence of who he is.
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Lately Chavit has been known as Mr. Universe having been largely responsible, at his own personal expense, for bringing the Miss Universe pageant here. Then he was approached again if he could facilitate hosting the pageant here again. This event would have put the Philippines in 2nd place in the ranking of the number of time countries have hosted the event. However, this was not be due to factors beyond his control. Almost but not quite.
But did this affect his perceived power? Clearly not. Because a recent article about Chavit in another magazine showed a man with a formidable business empire, one that extended well beyond Philippine shores. This article, while still shrouded in mystery, allowed a peek into why Chavit remains a mainstay of Philippine society. He has the financial means and it shows that Chavitâ€&#x;s wealth is mind boggling. Furthermore, contrary to what others say, he was quite wealthy well before he came into politics, thus laying to rest the speculation that it was politics that made him rich. Of course Chavitâ€&#x;s success in politics is legendary, having served nearly 30 years as the Governor of Ilocos Sur. It is no wonder then that people refer to this place as Chavit country. He served his people well and they love him for it. In fact, one of the places he is well known for, the Baluarte, is one that is a popular tourist destination that benefits his constituents and Ilocos greatly. Baluarte is an 80 hectare interactive wildlife sanctuary that boasts of many exotic animals. This connection to the people is why Chavit is practically a fixture in politics. But as you will see, the political skills of Chavit are overshadowed only by his business skills. It is a matter of history that Chavit became the biggest trader of Virginia tobacco after learning the trade from his parents. Being in the right place at the right time was what brought Chavit millions of pesos at an early age. In fact when he was 23, he bought the electric plant of Vigan. This was a move that demonstrated his sharp business acumen. There would be more acquisitions and business ventures that would follow and this are distributed among very diverse, some even unrelated businesses.
IMAGESASIA 9 Despite his youth, Chavit was able to do what other billionaires do. He did not put his eggs all in one basket and made it a point that majority of his business ventures were not dependent on the success of his other businesses. Hence his businesses were insulated against fallout from a losing business venture. This was very insightful and quite a departure from other business owners who would focus only on their initial success. If Chavit did this and concentrated on tobacco, where would he be now in a world that is rejecting tobacco use? Today, Chavit has the LCS Group of Companies which is the holding company for all his diverse business holdings. At the moment, he has interests in construction, agriculture, transportation, mining, aviation, media, banking, finance, retail and many more. Any successful entrepreneur will tell you that give or take a couple of other key industries such as food processing, health care and education, Chavit has the most lucrative sectors covered. Hence, all accusations about ill-gotten wealth are pretty much shot down. Tax deficiencies are likewise a non-issue because Chavit insists, and it is a matter of public record, that all his companies pay the proper taxes.
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Chavitâ€&#x;s business empire already extends well beyond Philippine shores which again is a shrewd move that insulates him against any domestic troubles that might affect the Philippines. His Vigan Banco International is a general bank which is already established in Puerto Rico, Los Angeles and he has one under construction in Mexico. There are several other places that are tapped for expansion including the Philippines. Many of the businesses and ventures of Chavit are those that benefit either Ilocos Sur or the Philippines as a whole. His banks benefit the OFWs, Partas the bus company along with the hotels he is building in the terminals benefit Ilocos and provide a boost to domestic tourism, his Airline will soon provide a boost to international tourism and hosting the Miss Universe Pageant put the Philippines back on the tourism map and helped counteract the negative image of the country at that time. It begs the question then, one that should be directed towards his detractors. Is it Chavit benefitting from the government, or is it the other way around, where the government benefitting from Chavit? It seems that itâ€&#x;s the government that gains from being associated with Chavit.
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Given all these facts about Chavit, one would think that now they know Chavit Singson. But one would be mistaken because the breadth and depth of his wealth is still largely unknown. In fact Chavit himself says he is not sure, though shrewd businessman that he is, it should be taken with a grain of salt. Notwithstanding this, the exact number is unimportant and providing a complete list would benefit only those who wish to bring down the man. What is important is that the wealth is not ill-gotten, no political favours were granted nor was political influence wielded to provide an unfair advantage. At the end of the day, the main reason why there is something mysterious about Chavit is that the man is larger than life. The man is a legend in his own time and his abilities and achievements are well beyond what is considered normal. Thus trying to understand him, and how he is who he is would be an exercise in futility because he is beyond understanding. And if you are a larger than life person like Chavit, rather than waste your energy explaining who you are and why you are what you are, its better spent doing things that will be for the greater good. That is the point many are missing but that, is truly what Luis “Chavit� Singson is all about. Doing things for the greater good.
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Chavit Singson and the 2017 Miss Universe Experience
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ENZO WILLIAMS
Film Director Par Excellance Photographed by NICK ST. JAMES
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Grooming by Apple Faraon for MAC Cosmetics Location: Prive Luxury Club BGC Top & Bottom: Zara Shoes: Air Jordan
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I
t is very seldom that the dreams of a 9 year old
become reality in later life. After all, childhood aspirations are fleeting, transient and temporal. This was not the case for Enzo Williams. At the tender age of 9 he knew exactly what he wanted to be, a filmmaker. So with his childhood dream in hand, he entered the two year film program of Los Angeles City College in 2011. It was here that it became apparent that he was on his way to becoming a multi-awarded filmmaker. His thesis film “Cain” was awarded “Best Film” for that semester. It also became the Official Selection of the College at the “International Student Film Festival Hollywood” which was a competition among the top film schools from around the world.
After his graduation, Enzo went back to Manila and commenced work on what would soon be among the biggest and most awarded films in Philippine cinema. This was the film “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” (Bonifacio: The First President) and filming began in 2014. The movie premiered on Christmas Day and was shown nationwide for three weeks. It wasn‟t long until the awards and recognition began pouring in. It was graded „A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board of the Philippines after which it garnered nine awards at Metro Manila Film Festival which was THE film festival of the country. The movie was awarded the most prestigious Best Picture aware, the Your Choice award, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award and the FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence. At this point, it was already quite a haul for a newly graduated filmmaker. But it turns out that this was only the beginning. Bonifacio was an official selection during the 2015 Seattle International film festival which is the largest film festival in the United States. In addition to this, Enzo Williams was 1 of only 12 directors worldwide, who were selected to compete at the New Directors Showcase. The criteria used for the selection were the originality of conception, visual style and overall excellence. In that same year, at the 31st Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies, Enzo was awarded the “Movie Director of the Year” and Bonifacio got 8 awards including “Movie of the Year”. The 9 year old Enzo couldn‟t have been more correct, filmmaking IS what he was born to do.
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During the 63rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences or FAMAS awards, Bonifacio continued the winning streak and got 5 awards that included “Best Picture” among others and once again, Enzo Williams was recognized by the industry and was awarded “Best Director”. This FAMAS award is the crème dela crème of awards is the highest one that can be presented to a film director in Philippine Cinema.
With all these prestigious awards, it was easy to forget that this was only Enzo William‟s first movie. There was more to come because his second movie served as a tour de force of his range of directorial abilities. The movie was an erotic drama entitled “The Escort” which starred Derek Ramsay, Lovi Poe and Christopher de Leon. It became a box office hit and gave notice to the movie industry that Enzo had arrived, and was a formidable director who was extremely capable of making critical, award winning dramas and box office hits aimed at the general populace.
His third film entitled A.W.O.L. will be released in time for the very first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino this August 19. It is hotly anticipated by the Philippine movie industry and is expected to gather more awards anew for Enzo. Not one to sit around while waiting for reviews and awards to come in, Enzo has commenced pre-production of his 4th film which is about his namesake Enzo Pastor, who was one of the top Filipino racers of his time, and was the only Filipino to every compete in European and Nascar races. Derek Ramsay stars as Enzo Pastor in this groundbreaking film which has the distinction of being the very first automobile racing themed film in Philippine Cinema.
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Just recently, the San Juan City Government, Enzo‟s hometown, awarded him with the highly revered San Juan Excellence Award for his outstanding achievements and contribution to his profession. Like many other successful people, Enzo‟s interests and activities revolve around his profession. He loves to watch movies and is an avid learner who is always on the lookout for new ways to tell stories. After all, award winning movies are essentially great stories that are told on the big screen. He confesses to a weakness for Nike Air Jordans which he has been collecting since 1998. In fact he has around 50 collectible pairs of Jordans in his LA home. Fashion wise, while Enzo favors casual wear, he ensures that at work his outfits are casual business with a stylish edge in order to give a good impression. It is not surprising that he considers Bonifacio as his greatest achievement to date. After all he did take the movie industry and society by storm with this film. However, what was quite surprising is that Andres Bonifacio is the person he mentions first as the famous or notable figure that he admires. Gat Andres would truly be proud that no less than an Enzo Williams was chosen to tell the story of his life. While Enzo is not exactly a loner, he prefers to have a small circle of friends and he played a lot alone during his childhood. But rather than consider it as a negative influence on his life, Enzo credits these solo playtime sessions for expanding his imagination and creativity. Most other people in Enzo‟s place would probably just ride out their current success, confident in the knowledge that given their reputation, most if not all of their succeeding films will surely succeed. They are probably right, but Enzo would have none of this. He intends to level up and get a masters degree from the American Film Insitute. After this, he has his sights set on directing a Hollywood film.
We have no doubt that Enzo Williams will be able to do all this and more. In the meantime, he shows no sign of letting up on his prolific output of films. So bring out the popcorn boys, we‟re in for a long series of treats courtesy of Director Par Excellence Enzo Williams.
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MICHELLE ESCOBAR LUCAS
A Beautiful Life of Grace and Gratitude Photographed by RONIN URBINA
Some people are blessed with wisdom beyond their years. Somehow they manage to learn things that people twice their age are only starting to learn. Michelle Lucas is one such person and what is most enigmatic here is that all this wisdom comes from a person with such youthful beauty.
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The banner on her Facebook page is an indication of the depth of her understanding and appreciation of life. “Living with Grace & Gratitude”. What is even more profound is her outlook and philosophy in life which is quoted verbatim here: “I believe in being organic and simple, may it be in words, thoughts or actions. Life gets complicated with inauthenticity, force and unnecessary expectations. I honestly find it difficult to define what life truly is but our understanding of life gets better as we age and that we often wish we had more of it when we are coming to its end.
To me, life is an amazing gift from God which we need to enjoy and live to the fullest, being temporary. How it turns out literally depends on how we live it. And we can't live in hate but only in love. The time we get for free, should be spent purposefully and meaningfully. And to be remembered by many is a mark of a life well lived. So I personally aim to leave behind a legacy. “ Such a beautiful, profound philosophy which those of us who are less insightful and introspective need to pay heed to. Its an opportunity to learn lessons that people ofter learn only in their twilight years. To hear and understand it from Michelle at a much earlier stage of our lives leaves us quite a bit more time to understand our purpose and the true essence of life. Perhaps it may have something to do with all that she has done at this point in her life. For instance, Michelle is a successful serial entrepreneur / restaurateur who has nearly, singlehandedly put Antipolo on the culinary map. Responsible for popular restaurants Kampai Sushi Bar and Casa Nieves Bistro, what is even more amazing is she has done this while raising her three children. Good Japanese restaurants with reasonable prices are uncommon in the Metro. So those who visit Kampai Sushi Bar are pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and the prices in a restaurant located in what is, quite literally, the boondocks. This is a common reaction across the different review sites on the net. Casa Nieves Bistro is another revelation for Antipolo Gourmets who, for a long time, had been limited to a handful of restaurants in the area. Netizens are heaping praises on Casa Nieves for its food and ambiance. With a growing fanbase that extends to Metro Manila, Michelle is making a significant contribution to domestic tourism in Antipolo by enticing people to make the trip up to enjoy her two successful international restaurants that can hold its own against the best in the Metro.
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Oh and did I mention that she is very active in business organizations in the Antipolo area and is the President / Founder of BPO Rizal and Core Inc., President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Rizal Chapter, External VO of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Antipolo, owner and chief designer at Cybelle Designs Studio? Thereâ€&#x;s a couple more but you get the picture. Its amazing how Michelle can fit all this into the same amount of time we all have. Speaking of time, understandably, most of her time is spent on matters pertaining to her household, restaurants and business / business organizations. The rest of her time is spent in reflection, prayers, reading or simply staying at home cooking and hanging out with her kids. She does enjoy traveling which allows her to reconnect and appreciate nature in all her grandeur. Travel also gives her the chance to build precious memories with her family. She loves spending time at the beach and sunsets always strike a chord within her where she loses herself in the beauty of the moment. A veteran traveller, Michelle says with conviction that the best local beaches are still the most beautiful in the world. After seeing other places, the beautiful seascapes and landscapes of the Philippines still take her breath away.
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Her choice of famous and notable figures is quite admirable. Instead of singling out a certain person, she acknowledges that she has read about and met a lot of inspiring individuals in different fields of endeavour. But those she admires the most are those who are able to overcome uncommon and extreme adversities and rise above them through unwavering faith, courage, hard work and resilience. It may sound like a clichĂŠ but these are the rags to riches stories that show the power of the human spirit. It is quite the paradox, that someone as beautiful as Michelle does not have any of the typical beauty secrets. Other less glamorous women would credit expensive creams, treatments and even augmentation as the keys to their beauty. How can it be that one as lovely as Michelle is able to achieve more? The secret seems to be what we always say but donâ€&#x;t actually believe. But in the case of Michelle, she is the perfect example of true beauty coming from within. Because aside from taking care of herself with the proper food, diet, rest and sleep, its her prayers and communication with God that make her exude such simple yet enchanting beauty. In her own words, she describes herself as a God-centered, organic and simple human being. And she feels so blessed and thankful for all the gifts, skills and talents that God have here, which she has been able to use in her life. She hopes to be able to use all that God gave her to make her dreams come true. Dreams that include owning a chain of restaurants and hotels in the country. Creating a retirement home for herself and maybe others, by the sea. And finally, she wants to put up a charity foundation for the needy and sick kids before she turns 40. And that was saving the best for last. This gorgeous, talented, wise and successful woman is not even 40. And that should serve as an inspiration because many of us can benefiit from emulating how Michelle approaches life. Above all, live with grace and gratitude.
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Hair and Make-up: VENJO ANISOR Gowns: YAMANI CALIWARA
Styling: HOUSE OF YAMANI Beverly Hills CA Jewelry: MARISTELLA JEWELRY Shoes: MATZ EJERCITO Location: CASA NIEVES Robinsons Place Antipolo
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Hi everyone! Agile here once more to share with you some of the exciting events I attended and documented from my Facebook account to the pages of Images Asia. Let‟s start if off with the Joahann Strauss Society‟s “Wild Wild West Hoedown” held at the North Forbes Pavilion. Inspired by the original Magna Hoedown in in Aurora, Ontario which started some 29 years back and the Hoedown has become a great Magna tradition and York Region‟s largest annual fundraiser. Hundreds of our friends trooped in to support the charitable project. Hundreds of our dear friends and supporters of Johann Strauss trooped in to give their share in their magnificent and wildest cowboy outfits. Incidentally, I won the grand prize “Best Dressed Cowboy”. My outfit was by Dobie Aranda.
With Patty Johnson Jalbuena and John Gaddi.
With Ambassador of Argentina. Roberto Bosch and Nene Leonor
With Jacqueline Michelle Lim, Connie Haw, Luisa Hidalgo and Linda Ley
With Connie Haw, Marissa Fenton, Lilibeth Campos and Cory Quirino.
With Marissa Fenton and Serla Russell.
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Manila Marriott recently hosted the 2017 Marriott Asia-Pacific Culinary Workshop, a gathering of the Region's finest culinarians. They jump start their 4-day conference with a Fast and the Furious theme at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. There were fast bikes and cars with loud and clear sound systems that played music all night, excerpts from Fast and the Furious movie were being shown in the widescreens, the servers were dressed up in racing gear. Three food stations came down from the ceiling, the cheese and fruit & nut station, the salad and shrimp cocktail station and the dessert station. There was also a huge pan where they served rice and sisig and also a carving station with organic vegetables. Right in the middle of the ballroom was the decked out elevated bar, where they served wine, Fast and the Furious themed cocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks. No other hotel can beat Marriot style and fashion. Cheers!
With Frannie Jacinto and Johnny Litton.
With Georgette Wilson, Lourd Ryan Ramos and Connie Haw Left photo with Joel Rama Del Prado and Carla Larrazabal- Del Prado.
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The much awaited event in the high society also happened recently as the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), in partnership with the Camera Club of the Philippines, staged anew the 2017 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines photo exhibit titled Fashion Senses and Sensibilities.
With Philippine Camera photographers
The yearly event, preceding the awards ball, displayed the line-up of portraits of the year‟s awardees held at the Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, the event was under the chairmanship of Angola Consul Helen Ong together with the selection and organizing committee members composed of Roselle Rebano, Mabel Albano, Tanzania Consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Mario Katigbak, Marian Ong, Sandie Poblador and Elaine Rojas Villar. Johnny Litton stands as the adviser. The festivities commenced with opening remarks from PCS chairman Antonio Ma. J. Guerrero and Camera Club of the Philippines president Maria Victoria Silva. This year‟s Ambassadors for Life, Best Dressed Women of the Philippines 2017 awardees and Men of Extraordinary Influence 2017 were also acknowledged. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the selection and organizing committee members, guests went around at the fabulous and impressive portraits, which were well taken by master photographers: Rey Ortiz, Patrick Uy, Raul Montifar and Miko Montifar. The evening was capped off with refreshing cocktails and fine conversations.
Mhel Pechera, Rosemarie Basa and Carolyn Lee Tan
Connie Haw, Consul Helen Ong, Helen Ong and Serla Russell.
Now on its 14th year, the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines continues to hold these three annual events to generate funds in support of PCS as it aids the underprivileged who are battling cancer — an advocacy that is very near and dear to my heart.
With Charisse Chuidian and Patrick L Uy
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The 2017 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines
With Robina Ko, Johnny Litton, Connie Haw and Jacqueline Michelle Lim. With Pixie Lolarga and Serla Russell.
With Jennie Francisco Diaz and Nina Paula Ng With Marcott Almeda and Mhel Pechera
With Josie Go, Connie Haw, Sheree Chua and Elsa Ang.
With Marcott Almeda, Roselle Del Rosario- Rebano and Shelly Lazaro
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Jewelry Sculpture
By KYLO CHUA Kylo Chua is a 27 year old sculpture artist who is currently a resident at the Artasia Gallery. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in 2010 from the Ateneo de Manila University. Kylo, an abstract artist who focuses on modern balletic sculptures and nature-inspired art. Explore and discover our gallery of figurines, as well as our art jewelry boutique of miniature artworks. Kylo had already obtained several awards such as the following: LSAA Awards for the Arts (Sculpture Division); Shell National Art Awards 2nd Honorable Mention of the Ceremony and GIA 2012 International Scholarship, to mention a few. Visit www.kylochua.com The Online Web Gallery of Kylo Chua,
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A Golden Symphony (size: 2+ cm, yellow gold)
Much of this piece's mellifluous composition derives from the visual expression of rhythm in our daily lives, taking that simple idea into a personified approach, and thereby illustrating the physical flow of emotion and energy that travels throughout the living circuits of our bodies.
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A Celestial Elegance (Alternate Look)
The aesthetic insight for this sculpt was based upon the mysterious lore of the moon, endlessly floating in the dark evening sky. A visual notation of its ever-changing, circular faces- drew up the beguiling forms that shaped the anatomical impression of this design's particular motif.
A Celestial Elegance (size: 2+ cm, yellow gold)
A Celestial Elegance with Sketch and Millimeter Gauge
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The Ballet of Fireflies (size: 2+ cm, yellow gold)
Patterned after the serene mystery of life on our planet, the anticipated work on this personal piece began with the concept of an infinitely delicate balance, surrounding and governing the breadth of all living things that exist together on this otherwise tameless earth.
While in portrait, it resembles the fluttering of soft fabric over the wind, this piece's inspiration was actually captured from a candid photograph of a woman standing above a hilltop overlooking the sea. Her hair, loosely dancing in the breeze, subtly mimicked the waves rolling across the tidal coastline. The Wishing Tides (size: 3+ cm, white gold)
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The Dances of Sakura (size: 2+ cm, white gold)
Inspired in tangible physique by the slender, ethereal petals of the Yamazakura; Hill Cherry Blossom, this hallmark design was also personally chosen as the artist's signature silhouette to be used as the brand facing identity for his miniaturist series of jewellery-sculpture.
(Pair) A Golden Symphony & A Celestial Elegance
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PMAP A GRAND REUNION Photos by JOHN SILAO
The very first of its kind in Asia, and probably the world. The Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) is the only organization of models run by models themselves, each confident of their own talents, abilities and capabilities to manage and plan their modeling careers. Established on February 11, 1987 the PMAP aims to "uplift, protect and professionalize the modeling industry in the Philippines, and to develop and stabilize, national and international awareness, participation, involvement and competition in the field of modeling." The PMAP served as a key force in the development and upgrading of the local modeling industry, with the firm belief that as a united group, models can band and work together for their own protection and progress. The powerful group gathered once more and had a successful glittery reunion held at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati. Attended by former and current ramp and commercial models, models turned beauty queens and title holders, fashion designers, the diplomatic, social and business hotshots.
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PMAP Founders being called on stage by 1st President, Mr. Ronnie Asuncion
PMAP First Couple, Ms Desiree Verdadero Abesamis and Dr. JB Abesamis
Suyene Chi and Lou Bunyi Pareja
Nelson Louy, Marina Benipayo and Richard Cepeda Go
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PMAP Founder and Miss Universe 1984 3rd runner up Desiree Verdadero Abesamis, and PMAP member Miss Universe 2016 top 6 Maxine Medina
Izza Gonzales Agana
Gem Padilla-Thomas, Sara Jane Paez Santiago, Desiree Verdadero Abesamis, Suyene Chi and Patty Betita.
Desiree Verdadero Abesamis
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Chris Badiola. Desiree Verdadero Abesamis, Suyen Chi, Lito Gruet and Eric Quizon
PMAP Founders with some members
PMAP Past and Present Officers sharing a toast on stage
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Philippine Cancer Society’s
BEST DRESSED WOMEN OF THE PHILIPPINES Once more, the glitzy and glamorous crowd of Manila came together as the Philippine Cancer Society‟s Best dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) at the recently concluded Best Dress Ball held at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel at the Fort.
Host Johnny Litton
Spearheaded by event chair and Angola consul Helen Ong—along with the selection and organizing committee composed of Jayelles‟ Roselle Rebano, Mabel Abaño, Tanzania consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Marian Ong, Sandie Poblador, Elaine Villar, Mario Katigbak and adviser Johnny Litton—the 14th Annual Awards Ball showcased this year‟s Style Icons and Best Dressed Awardees, ladies who lead lives worthy of merit for their kind hearts. Also given recognition in the awards ball are the Philippine Cancer Society‟s 2017 Woman of Influence and Style and Men of Extraordinary Influence.
This prestigious event, which started in 2004, has continued its mission to provide substantial help to the projects of the Philippine Cancer Society in its aim to help cancerstricken Filipinos all over the country avail of tests such as pap smears, mammography and biopsy, free chemotherapy drugs and cancer hospice care and a Patient Navigation Program, which directly benefits cancer patients.
Joy Rustia and Agile Zamora
Ernest Gonzaga and Wilson Tieng
Through BDWP, the first ever Philippine Cancer Society Mobile Clinic has been launched. It is the first of its kind that can go to low-resource communities and screen for breast and cervical cancers, and is fitted with a cryotherapy machine, a cryotank and an autoclave.
Nikki Tang and Maila Garcia King
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Jennie Francisco and Katrina Ponce Enrile
Brenda Ngo and Robina Ko
Rita Torrechilla Abitang and Rosemarie Basa
Bambbi Fuentes, Lynette Guzman, Marilyn Cabungcal and Petra Lim
Marcott Almeda, Eni Alba and Grace Gobing
Sandie Poblador and Ernest Gonzaga
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Nina Paula Ng
Carolyn Lee Tan
Mhel Pechera
Yamani Caliwara
Bo Muralla
Joy Wambangco Rustia
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Marice Martinez and Manolyn Taylor
Geewel Fuster, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Pinky Tobiano, Lynette Guzman and Malou Martinez
Beth Ventura, Ernhest Gonzaga and Anna Sia
Malou Martinez and Yamani Caliwara
Geewel Fuster, Pinky Tobiano and Marilyn Cabuncal
Yamani Caliwara, Agile Zamora and Serla Russel
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Red Charity Gala 2017 Each year, Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga gather friends and family for a night of giving back through the Annual Red Charity Gala, which aids to raise funds for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption High School Batch 0f 1981 Foundation. Tessa Prieto Valdes, Ben Chan, Joey Samson and Kaye Tinga
The Red Charity Gala showcased the works of Filipino fashion designers with the purpose of raising funds for a charitable cause. Filipino runway designer Joey Samson was highlighted this year, Manila‟s who‟s who attended the event with some local celebrities in their most stylish and glamorous selves yet. It was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel at the Fort. Some of the celebrities spotted in the event were ABS CBN‟s Charo Santos, Ruffa Gutierrez, Vina Morales, Lovi Poe, Cristalle Bello, Carla Humpries, Dawn Zulueta, Gabbi Garcia, PTV4‟s Marice Martinez, to name a few. Some friends and valued patrons of this year‟s gala were present headed by Former Governor Chavit Singson who came with Hollywood star Steven Segal, Agile Zamora, Nikki Tang, Consul Helen Ong, Joseph Calata, Yoli Ayson Sandie Poblador among the few.
Hollywood star Steven Segal, Agile Zamora and Chavit Singson
Junjun Ablaza and Serla Russel
Bambbi Fuentes, Marilyn Cabungcal and Sal Panelo
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Marice Martines, Sec. Martin Marfori Andanar and wife Alelee Aguilar and Malou Martinez
Jennifer Weigel and Ofelia Wadle
With Felix Ang, Grace Ang
Cris Albert, Serla Russell, Susan Sy and Kaye Tinga.
Yoli Ayson and Hera Geriene
Jean Saburit and Owen Moran
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Gift of Indulgence at Flow Spa Fine and luxurious relaxation With the coming of the season of goodwill, start with giving the gift of pure relaxation and indulgence as Flow Spa offers gift certificates for you to extend to the dear ones. Flow Spa is located at the heart of the hotel‟s Flow Wellness and Recreation Center which also includes a fitness centre and an infinity pool. It features an ultimate spa experience that promises to sustain the highest standards of hospitality, tranquillity, and luxury. From October 15 to December 31, 2017, make Flow Spa massages and treatments as presents for the upcoming holidays. Ease on the tensions in a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques while using a special blend of essential oils with the Flow Signature Massage, featuring Thai stretching and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes. Men can enjoy the For Him package that included a fusion of coffee body scrub, sports body massage, and Algotherm™ soothing facial for skin irritated by shaving. A special package for women gives a fabulous rejuvenation that combines salt and aloe vera body scrub, and aromatherapy massage and Algotherm™ anti-aging facial, for the For Her package. Opt for a traditional Swedish or Combination treatment that involves stroking and pressing soft tissues of your entire body, in order to induce a state of total relaxation.
Avail five (5) certificates of any of these treatments and get one (1) certificate for free. Purchase ten (10), and get two (2), on us. Flow Spa is located at the 22nd floor of Forbes Five-Star Award Winner, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, with its treatments starting at Php 1,800. Flow Spa is not exclusive to the Hotel‟s in-house guests. Flow Spa is open daily from 08:00 AM to 12:00 MN, or until 02:00 AM for in-room treatments. For more information contact (632) 720 7777 or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com or email: manila@marcopolohotels.com.Visit facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.