IMAGES ASIA 2016 3RD QUARTER EDITION FIRST PART

IMAGESASIA Volume 3 Number 3 2016 Third Quarter Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50

the expressions of art, life and style

Mhel Pechera

BEAUTY BLOOMS AMIDST ADVERSITY

6 Publisher & Editor-at-Large ERNEST GONZAGA Editor-in-Chief MINA ANGELES Associate Editor ALEXIS CRUZ Contributing Editor (Los Angeles, CA) SAM AZUREL Contributing Columnist CARMINIA PAVIA Managing Director/Head of Photography VOLTAIRE DOMINGO Advertising/Marketing ADVISION ASIA Graphic/Layout Director JOHN ERNEST GREGORY Chief Photographer HENRY FERRER Senior Photographer RONIN URBINA Contributing Photographer JIC CAFRANCA U.S.A. /Europe Photo Correspondents JAQUELINE ANDREA Las Vegas, NV IRVIN RIVERA Los Angeles, CA MJ CACHERO Geneva, Switzerland

IMAGESASIA is published by IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING 6/F Raha Sulayman Building Benavides St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines SMS 0937 2170133 | 0998 8698622 and the PHILIPPINE AMERICAN PRATTLER 1000 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. No. 209 9148539 www.images-asia.com 2016 Copyright IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING. All rights reserved. Printed in the Republic of the Philippines.

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Mhel Pechara is the epitome of how people are able to not only conquer adversities but to emerge as an inspiring success story while looking so glamorous.

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idowed at a young age Mhel faced a difficult future which entailed raising 3 young children and running a business wihout the benefit of a college degree. But this did not deter her at all.

Looking back, she realized that without knowing it, she had been preparing herself for the day when she would lead her company, Iship Logipack Inc. as its President. She had been active in the company, training from the bottom up, while her husband was running it, she learned to operate the machinery, then attended numerous seminars and training sessions as well.

Hence, when time came for her to lead the company, she knew in her heart that she was ready.

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oking at what her children are today, it is very clear that while she is a big success in the business world, she is an even bigger success at parenting.

All of her 3 children are talented and successful in diverse fields.

MHEL PECHERA

Beauty Blooms Amidst Adversity Photographed by HENRY FERRER Gowns by OLIVER TOLENTINO

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Her eldest son Karl Nikko is graduating this summer at an International School with a degree, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. Mhel hopes that he will opt to join her in Iship but she is adamant that her children are free to choose their career paths and to work wherever they want.

Her second son Meray is a bit of jock in another International School where he is currently in the 8th grade and is on the schoolâ€&#x;s basketball varsity team.

Meray is multisport, being an avid golfer like his brother Karl.

Meiko is her youngest child and is quite an achiever not just in academics but in sports as well. She is consistent honor student and is always on the Deans list in the same International School as her brother Meray. She is also an accomplished gymnast who was the overall champion in her division.

There is more to Mhel than just being a savvy businesswoman and the best parent ever to her children. She is a fitness buff who makes it a point to work out at least three time a week. Her workout is not the typical workout either as she focuses mainly on boxing and circuit training. She also runs and loves joining half marathons (21k) such as the Condura and Run Rio United. She also enjoys hiking and mountain climbing and has conquered the peaks of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Apo, Mt. Maculot and Pico de Loro among others.

She is clearly the type of person who enjoys pushing her body to the limit and overcoming those limits.

This penchant for doing things in an extraordinary manner extends even to what she collects. Parents as a general rule, love collecting photos of their children.

Mhel does this too, but she takes it a giant step further by commissioning large portraits of her children in sizes ranging from 16� x 20� to lifesize. These were commissioned since they were young and up to the present. Displayed throughout her house, it provides her with endless moments of wonder and appreciation at how cute they were before and how much they have grown.

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Unlike many affluent persons, Mhel is not much for collecting other things. She does not give much importance to material things and prefers to buy things for utilitarian purposes. In a nutshell she only buys what would be considered necessities for a woman in her position. This no nonsense approach is see as well in her fashion sense and style. She considers her style as her own and does not follow any fashion trend for the sake of being “in style”. Mhel always prefers to be in “Mhel style”, nothing less. Hence she dresses as she sees fit for the occasion, dressing elegantly for parties and the office, while dressing casually for shopping or bonding time with her children.

Despite all the adversities she had overcome, Mhel remains youthful and glamorous. She credits her active lifestyle for providing her with such a slim figure and for her looks. For her beauty is what others see when you feel beautiful inside.

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Moreover, despite her impressive physical condition, she does not deprive herself of treats, indulging in cheat days but always taking things in moderation.

Looking back on her life, Mhel is most proud of how her children have grown up to be such wonderful and talented persons, This is her greatest achievement, and one which she is most proud of.

Second to her family is her business which is now 12 years old and continues to grow under her stewardship.

She looks up to Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie for showing that with determination, one can make a difference in this world.

Deeply religious, Mhel draws strength from her faith and her family. A simple and modest person at heart, she stresses to her children that “we are not rich, but are just blessed”. This is belief that is the cornerstone of her faith, believing that without the blessings of the Lord, nothing would be possible.

Ideally, Mhel would like to grow Iship Logipack Inc. even more, with the help of her children. But she does not want to coerce them in any way. She reminds them that they be whatever they want to be. If they want careers outside the family business, that is perfectly fine. And should they choose to work with her, then they are most welcome. For her, what is important is that her children be happy about where they are. At this point in her life, Mhel looks forward to the task of preparing her children for life. Seeing how she was able to overcome all the trials in her own life, clearly, her children are in very good hands.

It is perhaps fitting then, that we end this article with a quote from Mulan. “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all”

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Hair & Make-up by RAM PAGADORA Location: PALO ALTO FALLS Baras, Rizal

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Balesin: Balesin:

Luxury paradise Luxuryand andexclusivity, Exclusivity,island Island Paradiseininthe thePacific Pacific

By By SAM SAM AZUREL AZUREL

Nestled in the clear blue waters

of Eastern Coast Luzon in the Philippines is an island that has been redefining the meaning of luxury tourism. Balesin Island, which is located southeast of the country’s Polillo, Quezon Province, is a haven that is the definition of extravagance estled in the clear blue waters of and exclusivity. It is the new hot spot in the tourism arena, both attracting local Eastern Coast Luzon in the Philippines is an island that has been redefining the meaning of luxury and international visitors for its beauty and distinctiveness. tourism. Balesin Island, which is located southeast of the country‟s Polillo, Quezon Province, is a

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haven that is the definition of extravagance and exclusivity. It is the new hot spot in the tourism The high-end property is a joint arena, both attracting local and international visitors for its beauty and distinctiveness.

venture between Philippine developer Alphaland and Roberto Ongpin. Ongpin, The high-end property is a joint venture who was educated at Harvard University’s Master of Business Administration between Philippine developer Alphaland and Roberto Ongpin. Ongpin, who was educated at program, also serves as the chairman of Balesin Island.

Harvard University‟s Master of Business Administration program, also serves as the chairman of Balesin Island.

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Balesin Island Club is the epitome of topnotch, exclusive tourism. The members-only island can only be accessed via a 20-minute private airplane ride from Philippineâ€&#x;s capital, Manila, and employs electric carts as the primary means of transport within its vicinities. With its own medical center, restaurant complex, and villas, the island is truly a whole new different world of its own.

One of the wonders of the Island Club is its five distinct villages inspired by some of the most luxurious beach destinations around the world. Have you ever wished you could go to St. Tropez and fly to Bali the same day? At Balesin, you can do this even with just your electric cart in tow.

IMAGESASIA 17 Step into the signature blue and white structures of Mykonos, Greece or delight your eyes with the vibrant candy colors St.Tropez in South France is so popular of.

Move on to exploring the wonderful arched doorways and terracotta accents of Toscana, Italy before jumping to Costa del Sol‟s Spanish note-worthy colonial architecture. Relax in the secluded water villas of Bali or spend a few hours admiring the beautiful Buddha statues and scaled roofs of Phuket Thailand. Finally, cap the day off in Balesin and experience the signature warmth of a Filipino home.

The Island Club also has its very own private coves and white sand beaches fringing clear ocean waters teeming with colorful tropical fish and marine life. Once you get tired from all the excitement of the day, you can check in to its posh clubhouse or get a signature massage from the Balesin Spa. More than the luxurious facilities and activities, one thing that makes Balesin different from other world-class destinations is its exclusivity. Overcrowded pools and beaches are out of the question as well as packed facilities and noisy general areas. If there is one thing that Balesin is best identified with, it is the peace that it offers to its members, giving them a one-of-a-kind experience that is definitely not for everyone.

Membership in the Island Club is at the current rate of P2.2 million and comes with a free 14 nights of stay at the resort. The figure, while may be a bit pricey to some, is well-compensated by the value of the place which employs only the best of the best, from its well-designed in-villa Jacuzzis down to its 600-thread count cotton sheets.

For the topnotch traveler, Balesin is an island paradise in the Pacific that is definitely deserving of your P2.2 Million pesos. As Alphaland chairman Ongpin says to describe the exclusive experience the Island Club promises, “We do not intend to be, and will never be, all things to people. But what we do will be unique, and will definitely be done well.”

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KYLO CHUA

Mastering the Art of Modern Sculpture Photographed by RONIN URBINA

Kylo Chua has arrived. Not just as a sculptor but

as an entrepreneur. Just 28, he has already established himself as a master of modern sculpture and as a savvy, innovative businessman. An artist and an entrepreneur at heart, Kylo is a sculptor first and a businessman second. Sculptor.asia is home for him and his dad where they collaborate and create their works of art. Because of his technological savvy, Kylo has a formidable online presence and all of his sites are classy and make good use of current web technology.

Coming from a family of artists, it could be said that it was written in the cards that Kylo would someday be an artist too. True enough, after watching his father Seb and his uncle working at their craft, Kylo decided to get into sculpting in a major way. His ever supportive father encouraged him to join competitions and before they knew it, Kylo was winning awards and blazing new trails in modern sculpture.

IMAGESASIA 22 Seb his father, is his role model. It inspires him to see how his dad‟s work has deeply inspired so many in Philippine art societies. So Kylo is consciously following his dads‟ footsteps as an artist and in his approach to life where he is not fazed by challenges and instead takes a step back in order to formulate out of the box ideas. Kylo is truly his father‟s son.

He was educated by the Jesuits for most of this life, beginning with Xavier for nursery thru grade school and high school then moving to Ateneo de Manila for college.

In 2009, while he was an undergraduate in Ateneo, he had two major accomplishments, he was a grand finalist in the HSBC Young Entrepreneurs Awards, and he got Honorable Mention in the National Shell Arts Competition sponsored by Pilipinas Shell. He was taking Fine Arts in the Ateneo de Manila at that time and in his senior year, he received the very first Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts in the Sculpture category in 2010.

He graduated from the Ateneo in 2010 with a degree, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Information Design.

Kylo is a very driven person and while he was still in college he had already co-founded two startup companies which gave him valuable information and insights in the world of innovation and technology.

He also had a keen interest in gemology and received an international scholarship from the Gemological Institute of America. This led him to put up Gemcamp Laboratories through which he hopes to be able to uplift and professionalize the gemstone and jewelry business in the Philippines. This he intends to do by providing education and support using the knowledge he acquired during his scholarship.

His other endeavours with his brother Erick are very impressive online ventures as well. They have Shapecloud.ph which is a highly innovative online 3D printing platform geared towards students and businesses. He also created Gemcamp.com, an online marketplace for the jewelry industry, allowing individual sellers to utilize the marketplace to reach out to the world market. Both sites are well done and even techies would be impressed at how well they were designed and how well they work.

While his extensive achievements to date might lead one to think that Kylo is some sort of a recluse, artist and nerd all rolled into one, that thought couldn‟t much further from the truth because like most under 30s, Kylo enjoys sports like badminton, water sports, internet gaming, boardgame cafes and generally just chilling with friends. He enjoys discovering new hangout places and travelling, having travelled extensively with friends and family to Boracay, Alaska

IMAGESASIA 23 Kylo states in his profile in an online art site that he is in love with both a girl (his girlfriend Jacq) and his passion for the arts. This is most certainly a statement from the heart. Kyloâ€&#x;s collections reveal the heart of an artist, focusing on collecting memorabilia from family and friends.

Collecting souvenirs from all his trips, essentially preserving those precious memories through his collection. The gemologist in him also calls for collecting minerals and gemstones. He loves the beauty and rarity of these gemstones, keeping a collection of moonstone, aquamarine and saphire for his own private collection which is not for sale.

He has a simple fashion style, clean and modern, not unlike his sculptures. His preferred everyday attire is a round-collared shirt and jeans. In a manner not unlike successful people like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs, he buys multiple exact copies of the same clothing. He obssesses over this because he believes that if you already found something comfortable, which fits you to a t, whatâ€&#x;s the point in looking for something else?

Obsessive? A little. But it does make a lot of sense. And for successful people like the two mentioned above, it becomes part of your identity and is actually makes it quite iconic and intertwined with your persona. Like the way Zuckerberg has made the hoodie into a icon, a symbol even, of the new generation of entrepreneurs.

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It is perhaps fitting as well that Kylos outlook in life is both simple and profound. He believes it is our job to put our whole hearted efforts in what we love doing, to push as far as we can, for as long as we can and then leave the rest to God. Obviously Kylo is still not done pushing though the Masters has clearly smiled upon his efforts thus far. However, he still looks forward to holding exhibitions in every country and using them as vehicles for collaborating with foreign artists of all generations.

More than this, he also hopes to create a name that will be widely recognized and acknowledged as the last word in elegant sculpture and lavish design worldwide.

Lofty dreams? Perhaps, but Kylo has always had the knack of achieving his dreams.

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A Symphony of Slavic Art

By ERNEST GONZAGA

We introduce to the enlightened Filipino and

Southeast Asian collector to the arena of artists (whose works are sold at Christie's auction, Saatchi gallery and at many other galleries all around the world) who hail from a bastion of classical painting: Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, etc. Those and attendant nations that were once part of the greater Russian Empire were a fulcrum of western classic art for centuries, from the fall of the Byzantine empire, through the Renaissance right up until the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 which overthrew the Russian Empire and established in its place the USSR.

Girl Selling Souvenirs

By Artem Tolstukhin 43cm x 50cm Oil on canvas 2013

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With the onset of the global financial crisis of the late 2000â€&#x;s, coupled with recent geopolitical and economic troubles in Southern Russia and particularly, in the Ukraine in the past couple of years, an opportunity has now arisen for Filipino and Southeast Asian collectors to acquire academically perfect, European paintings of a traditional style at price levels previously unavailable.

At this time V-gallery offers paintings that evoke the romantic, poetic, landscapes of Turgenev and Tolstoy, of emotion and dreams.

Impressionist, illusory and decoratively hued, we hope our modet offerings may fulfil critical gaps for the Southeast Asian collector. Our belief is that impressionist painting and romantic landscapes, for example, are not just 19th century period museum pieces. Indeed, while the modern art world will always continue to expunge new forms, controversies, styles and meanings, we believe there is still a space for, and a collector for whom, the traditional European painting shall always beckon.

Pascha

By Polina Kuznetsova 100cm x 70cm oil on canvas 2005

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Calibri

By Roman Agasyn 80cm x 80cm Oill on canvas 2015 Girl by the Window

By Polina Kuznetsova 110 cm x 80 cm oil on canvas 2008

Evening in the South

By Artem Tolstukhin 50cm x 70cm Oil on canvas 2012

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Acknowledgement: V GALLERY Ms. VICTORIA TUREGUN

Still Life With Golden Pears

By Roman Agasyn 45cm x 100 cm Oil on canvas 2012

Sunny Bay

By Artem Tolstukhin 60cm x 90cm Oil on Canvas 2013

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Lilacs

By Roman Agasyn Oil on Canvas 40cm x 50cm 2015

Wine and Pomegrantes

By Roman Agasyn 50cm x 70cm Oil on canvas 2014

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CASA NIEVES A Mountain Gastronomic Haven

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Gambas Al Ajillo

Take a short but scenic drive up the mountains of

Antipolo, away from the bustling metropolis, and you will arrive at the heart of an emerging culinary destination – the home of good design and great food – Casa Nieves.

H ere, city-weary diners looking for a new yet familiar experience will enjoy outstanding accommodations together with Antipolo‟s refreshing climate. Wine and dine in Casa Nieves, a new concept restaurant that uses only the freshest local ingredients to support local producers, as well as authentic international ingredients sourced from across the globe to formulate its recipes.

Paella Valenciana

P icture your well-loved, glamorous and sophisticated Tita who can cook a mean osso bucco or paella – that‟s Nieves Escobar Rodriguez-Lanuza, the restaurant‟s namesake, who was known foremost for her great cooking and for throwing amazing parties that brought everyone to the table for an incredible dining experience. Casa Nieves has lived up to her name by serving thoughtully created dishes in a unique, inviting and family-oriented setting.

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Popular and unique in the ala carte menu are Spanish and Italian favorites, which are great for wine or sangria pairing. Also on the top ten favorites are the Beef Salpicao, Gambas Al Ajillo, Croquettas, Chorizo Frito, Osso Buco, Pan Roasted Honey Glazed Salmon, Prawn and Crab Fat Pasta, Vongole, Porchetta, and the top favorite Paella Valenciana.

Aspiring chefs can also learn continental flavors in this restaurant, where everyday is an entirely new day with a thematic lunch and dinner buffet service. Monday is dedicated for local Filipino cuisine, Tuesday is for Thai, Wednesday for Korean, Thursday for Spanish, Friday for Italian, Saturday for American and Sunday for international cuisine.

The desserts are as tempting, charming and appealing as the storeâ€&#x;s interiors look from the outside. Beverage favorites include fresh fruit shakes, creamy milk shakes, and both local and imported beers and wines. Flavors and servings are generous, good for sharing and reasonably priced. The ambiance positively reflects the quality of food and service that you can expect from a true restaurant.

Chorizo Frito

Caesar Salad

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Classic Carbonara with Spicy Chorizo

At Casa Nieves, we believe that our taste buds reunite families and friends from all parts of the globe, culminating in a singular place where we can enjoy our favorite dishes and celebrate priceless moments. If you are looking for great food, something new and extraordinary, a place that is perfect for intimate dinners, a patio dining experience while indoors, a place for family get-togethers, quiet moments with your thoughts and some wine, head on to Casa Nieves at the Lower Ground of Robinsons Place Antipolo, Sumulong Highway Antipolo City Rizal, Philippines.

Go on a road trip and share your experience with the rest.

Osso Buco

Bolognese

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Address: Al Fresco, Lower Ground Robinsons Place Antipolo Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City Rizal, Philippines Tel: 02 997-1894 Mobile: 0917-543-5931

Service Hours: 10am to 11pm Daily Products and Services: Lunch and Dinner Buffet Ala Carte Catering Reservations for Parties and Social Events

Vongole

Pan Roasted Honey Glazed Salmon

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By ERNEST GONZAGA Metro Manille’s some glitzy, glitzy nights

A surprising Hermès party

Manila‟s high-end Hermès store had a luxury launch

and opened its home section on the second floor of its Makati Avenue flagship store recently. The second-level home section by Maison is kind a bit small by its standards but what it needs in space, makes up for with the opulent choices. It comprises of the top sellers of Hermès Maison worldwide from the understated Pantographe desk lamp to the Canaletto walnut desk.

Since the newly-opened space can‟t hold an aftercocktails reception, the upper crust guests was transported aboard a comfy bus from the store to guess where? To an unspecified destination.

The swanky Hermès party venue

Queenie Gee, Serla Russel, Agile Zamora and Tokie Tantoco

Chery Tiu, Crystal Cunningham and Duday Tuason

Ofelia Wadle, Nikki Tang and Yoli Ayson

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The guests were brought to the nearby park in San Lorenzo Village, into an amazingly adorned tented basketball court cum air-conditioner. The court was altered into a swanky and stylish hall. It was beautified with a white drape to conceal the ceiling ampled by theatrical lighting with contemporary vibrant cut paperboards figures all over.

The A-list guests relished cocktail food served from tofu to steaks, and endless pour of wines. International theater artist Leo Valdez entertained the crowd with the live playing the „80s music to date.

Hats off once more to Mario Katigbak who was responsible for the very well organized affair.

Duday Tuason, Linda Ley, Maurice Arcache, Agile Zamora and Nikki Tang

Marissa Fenton, Yoli Ayson, Agile Zamora, Roi Philips and Lilibeth Campos

Philip Cu-unjieng and Issa Litton

Victoria Turegun, Tess Schoefer, Leo Valdes and Lilibeth Campos

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John Hardy 2016 Spring Collection Exclusive Preview

John Hardy is an artist and visionary, he visited Bali in

the 1970s and was enchanted by the island‟s sublime beauty. There, he founded an authentic collective with local artisans.

John Hardy was established in Bali in 1975; John Hardy is dedicated to the creation of ultimate beauty through artisan hand-crafted jewelry. Our master artisans honor original craft through the perfection of modern design, creating timeless one-of-a-kind pieces that are brilliantly alive. Since inception, the company has remained passionately committed to community, artisanship and sustainability.

John Hardy model, Manolyne Taylor and Serla Russel

Each of John Hardy‟s distinctive collections convey evocative symbolism and honor the transmission of creative energy from the artisan to the wearer. More than jewelry - an eternal connection to the source of inspiration. For the seekers, the explorers, the storytellers.

John Hardy‟s exclusive VIP preview of their 2016 Spring Collection at Rustan‟s Makati was held recently. Good friend and one of Manila‟ s known party hostess, Agile Zamora played one of the hosts in the much attended cocktail event. Inquirer‟s Tessa Prieto Valdes emceed the event.

John Hardy president, Tokie Tantoco Enriquez, Agile Zamora and Anton Huang

Elsie Pascua, Agile Zamora and Rose Basa

Shelly Lazaro, Agile Zamora, Ann Ong, Nikki Tang , Connie Haw and Dina Arroyo

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Carol Ocampo Mercado, Agile Zamora, Ann Ong, Elsie Pascua, Eni Alba, Maila Garcia King, Ernest Gonzaga, Marian Ong Nuguid and Nikki Tang

Tokie Tantoco Enriquez of Rustan‟s was on hand to welcome guests. Rustan‟s grand old man, former Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. came and so with daughter, Nedy Tantoco.

Some of the beautiful people who attended the glimpse of John Hardy‟s Spring collection were Eni Alba, Elaine Rojas Villar, renown jewelry designer Ann Ong, Marian Ong Nuguid, Mayenne Carmona, Francis de Leon, Chris Badiola, Maila Garcia King, Nikki Tang, Rosemarie Basa, Nene Leonor, Roi Philips, Serla Russel, Manolyn Taylor, Aiko Melendez, Angela Pia Santos, Tiffany Cuna, to mention a few.

Agile Zamora, Nedy Tantoco and Ambassador BienvenidoTantoco, Sr.

Chris Badiola, Tiffany Syson Cuña, Catherine Melendez and Angela Pia Santos.

Angele Pia Santos, Catherine Melendez and Tessa Valdes