Images Asia

IMAGESASIA Volume 1 Number 5 March/April 2011 Php 250.00 | US$7.50

the expressions of art, life and style

Renee Rogoff g ff

RATED “R”

The Peacock Garden is a luxury boutique resort perched on a hilltop with an expansive view of the sea. Just a few minutes past historic Baclayon Church, it’s a short 15minute drive from Tagbilaran City, the island’s capital.

To complement its rooms, the resort features a fine dining restaurant, Roman spa, wine cellar, music and dance club, and cigar lounge, as well as facilities and services for business and social events. Eco-cultural beach, and outdoor activities are offered nearby.

Bohol’s unsurpassed charm

Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines Telephone Nos. 63 38 539 9231 / 63 38 416 0483 Mobile No. 63 917 326 9000 FAX 63 38 540 9487 Email: relax@gardenpeacock.com

IMAGESASIA the expressions of art, life and style

Editor’s Note MAKE HAY, WHILE THE SUN SHINES Dear readers,

Editor-at-Large ERNEST GONZAGA Editor-in-Chief SELENA ESCANO Advertising/Marketing Director RANULPH HUERTAS Graphic/Layout Director JOHN ERNEST GREGORY Image Editor MARLON JAY SALINAS Web Design and Hosting DIGITAL WEB GROUP Contributing Editor JAMES BENEDICT SACRAMENTO (Southern/Northern (S h /N h California) C lf )

Senior Photographers VOLTAIRE DOMINGO / MIKE ALQUINTO Photographers JEROME ASCANO / MJ CACHERO / STEVEN HAMADA EDISON SEE / TJ MARGATE / IBARRA SIAPNO U.S.A. Photo Correspondents MIKE CARRION San Francisco, CA / GINO GONZAGA Anaheim, CA IRVIN RIVERA Los Angeles, CA / HARVEY MCKENZIE Sacramento, CA

Contributing Writers MARIE JOY RAMIREZ | FRANKLIN SMITH | ANNA MONTINOLA Publisher ERNEST GONZAGA Administrative/Finance Manager CARA MIA GONZAGA Production/Circulation Manager GERALDINE LUALHATI Editorial/Production Assistants EDGAR CORTEZ / WILBERT SERRANO ANTONIO EVARISTO

IMAGESASIA is published by IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING 6/F Raha Sulayman Building Benavides enavides St., Legaspi egaspi Village, Makati akati City, Philippines hilippines Tel. Nos. 697-1680 / SMS 0928-318-7275 and the PHILIPPINE AMERICAN PRATTLER 10932 Carmenita Road, Whittier, CA 90605 Tel. Nos. 562-363-5858 / SMS 562-321-4248 www.imagesasiamagazine.com

Summer is one of the best moments to celebrate life and bond with people who matters to us. It’s the perfect time for an escapade to break free from the usual routine.

In this issue, we hop off to the picturesque and without a doubt the most beautiful island paradise on earth – Boracay and its newest hot spot destination – Monaco Suites de Boracay.

As scorching as the sun-baked beaches and as reinvigorating as the ultramarine waters of Boracay, we present equally sizzling and intricate personalities who grace the back-to-back covers of Images Asia.

New York-based Filipina Actress Renee Rogoff fluidly metamorphoses from one character to the next, playing the vixen, i th gamine the i andd brooding b di artist ti t in i her h emotive ti expressions. i Sh She proves her mettle in artistic short films and mixed media art Academy, Goya and BAFTA Award-Winning Spanish Actor Javier Bardem, once professed in an interview, “The difference between an artist and a person that’s crazy is that the artist has a two-way ticket and the crazy person only has a one-way.”

Renee is one of the rare actresses who can malleably act in a wide range of roles from one extreme to another and once the limelight is turned off naturally reverts to her bubbly persona.

On the twin cover, businessman Ruben “Rubby” Lugtu is involved in transforming lives for the better. He is a visionary leader who employs management strategies and tactics to help change the countless lives of Filipinos for a brighter future. He seems to take to heart Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principle, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

There’s a timeless adage for one to “Make hay, while the sun shines.” Elements are within the favor of other achievers featured in this edition: Dan Fernandez, Gerald Arndt, Charmaine Cruz, Enzo Lugtu and Alexandria Mills.

On Fashion focus, we bring forward Manila’s top bbrass designers d i Edgar d Madamba, d b Fanny Serrano S andd Gerry G Katigbak. i b k Behind the camera, young and upcoming photographer Ibarra Siapno gives his fresh perspectives on digital photography. After all, beauty and magic resides on the viewer from the other side of the lenses.

Under the blazing heat, enjoy both your virtual and real travels out in the open air and immerse in the sun, sand and sea!

FOR ADVERTISING Contact RANULPH HUERTAS Tels 473 Tels.

473-3229 3229 / 472-7282 472 7282 /472-8282 /472 8282 SMS 0906 0906-414-7221 414 7221 / 0923-416-1867 0923 416 1867 2011 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.

Printed by MEGATONE PRINTHAUZ, INC. 96-B Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines

Selena Escano Editor-in Chief

Inside

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Ruben “Rubby” Lugtu

Visionaryy Leader For The Unsung Heroes Photographs: EDISON SEE

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It’s a classic case of pursuing the common Filipino dream of providing a better future for the family that drives mothers, fathers, daughters and sons to sacrifice the company of loved ones and the comforts of life in the country for the adventures abroad as an OFW (Overseas Filipino W k ) Workers).

Toiling almost endlessly, adapting to different cultures, battling loneliness with the indomitable spirit of optimism and the intermittent calls from home on certain pressing financial needs or emergencies are some of the challenges OFWs face. Reality is a fickle friend. In times of vital needs, families of OFWs either turn to informal g exorbitant interests or financial communityy lenders who charge institutions with voluminous paper requirements to the disadvantage of the OFWs and their next of kin.

In view of this social quagmire, Ruben Lugtu, friends call him Rubby, together with his esteemed partners wore the cap of social entrepreneurship to provide financial security and leverage to OFWs and their families through simple, accessible and viable financial services.

As Chairman and President of Asialink Finance Corporation, Rubby envisioned for the socio-economic development of the country through tailor-made financial products that are responsive to the needs OFWs and other diverse sectors that collectively act as the backbone of the Philippine economy. Established since 1997, his flagship firm caters to small and medium enterprises as well as professional and medical practitioners for a range of flexible credit facilities that doesn’t burn the pocket.

Similar to Nobel Peace Prize Awardee Muhammad Yunus, Rubby has endeavored beyond profit to transform his vision into concrete actions of imparting financial solutions for working class families to ensure education of their children, gain medical assistance, grow their businesses and enhance the quality of their lives through acquisition of dream o e andd ddream e ccar.. home His steadfast leadership has bolstered the expansion of Asialink Finance Corporation to 500 employees and thousands of independent financial consultants in more than 18 branches across the country.

Further building grassroots development, Rubby took the helm of Tanay Rural Bank as its Chairman to enable farmers and the marginalized sector to have easy access to banking products and services. Ruben revitalized the operations and helped infused change management to Tanay Rural Bank, once known in the 70s as the Outstanding Rural Bank in its region to be more up-to-date, efficient and responsive to the needs of the times.

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Through the Tanay Rural Bank, Rubby aimed to help farmers to avail of credit for appropriate cycle of crops in their lands, stretch their financial liquidity prior to reaping the fruits of their labor and sensibly save during times of harvest. harvest He is keen on rendering adequate micro-credit to cottage industries or small business enterprises in areas where its 5 branches and 7 marketing offices serve with a total of more than 200 staff.

With an insatiable mission for helping build a robust economy by means of diversifying in the other business ventures, Rubby is the concomitant captain of the ship of thriving companies particularly Global Dominion Financials, Eastern L Luzon M Motorcycle l dealership, d l hi Eyelab E l b Optical O i l retail il stores andd Forbes Financial Consultancy.

The legacy of entrepreneurship and paternal mentorship burns brightly from one generation to the next in Ruben’s family. Akin to his father’s guidance and devotion for him to experience business first hand at a young age, Rubby encourages his children Paulo, Lorenzo, Nikki and Carlos to learn p of the trade in the actual dynamics y of commerce. the ropes Rubby spends his downtime with his lovely wife Theresa, family, friends and business partners whilst teeing off at the golf course, playing tennis, riding the bikes to explore nature and photographing architectural marvels and magnificent interiors of awe-inspiring places in his travels.

A weekend warrior, Rubby ultimately enjoys fond moments with close ties at his rest house in Batangas.

Batangas It It’ss where he revels in the simple pleasures of tinkering with the design of his home interiors, gardening, walking the shorelines and gazing at the expansive vistas, perhaps plotting his upcoming moves for addressing the evolving financial requisites of Filipinos overseas and other unsung heroes in their motherland.

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Location: PALONICA BEACH RESORT Lian, Batangas

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Monaco Suites de Boracay

Idyllic Oasis in the Island Paradise Photographs: IBARRA SIAPNO

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Breathtakingly nestled on the Southeastern seaside hill in the most exclusive enclave of the Philippines’ most notable island paradise, Monaco Suites de Boracay, the international 5-Star Deluxe Resort is a tropical oasis on a sprawling 16,000 sq. m. estate amid lush landscaped gardens and overlooking the spectacular and expansive ocean vistas. y and refinements,, A beachfront haven of luxury discerning guests lavish in its all-suites accommodation, private stretch of immaculate beach, dolphin-shaped infinity pool, facilities for water sports activities and island explorations, spa treatments and dining options for gourmet creations.

Right at the doorsteps of Monaco Suites, the dazzling and crystal clear waters of Boracay provide a plethora of fun and frolic.

Experience the endless exhilarations of the on-site water sports such as jet skiing, skiing para-sailing, para sailing water skiing, skiing parasailing, parasailing kite boarding, boarding wind surfing, snorkeling, banana boat & flyfish riding and scuba diving.

Boasting of ultra-modern comforts in island lifestyle balanced with access to nature’s delightful marvels, Monaco Suites indulge travelers to the added convenience of its private road and own docking port for an easy gateway to blissful adventures.

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SUITE ESCAPE Luxuriously-appointed i l i d with i h modern d amenities, plush bathroom, kitchen, living and dining areas and a balcony with sweeping views of Boracay’s famed Bulabog beach and Mt. Luho, each Mediterranean-inspired suite is a sanctuary of calm and oneness with nature. Linger in the comfort and privacy of the spacious and stylish suite equipped with airconditioning, LCD cable TVs, internet access, mini-bar and shower with bathtub.

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DARINGLY DELICIOUS Seduce the palate to the bounty of flavors fresh from the surf and turf at the Sea View Restaurant of Monaco Suites de Boracay. A wide range of western and eastern gourmet treats are available a la carte for guests’ every whim and fancy.

The specialty of the house is its signature lobster dish that goes perfectly with one of the exquisite wines in the restaurant’s classic selection.

Cream Of Tomato Surprise With fresh diced tomatoes, and a secret ingredient to spice things up

Prime Rib Eye Grilled Certified Angus Beef, Prime Rib-Eye Steak in beef jus and onions, with sauteed vegetables

Demeter’s Salad Sea View’s house Greek salad served with feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce

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WAVES OF SEAFOOD FAVES Indulge in the gastronomic treasures of the sea such as oysters, crabs, lobsters, salmon, blue marlin, squids, clams and tiger prawns meticulously prepared in diners choice of authentic Asian or Mediterranean culinary delights.

King Prawns In butter lemon sauce with rice pilaf

SHEER DECADENCE Bite into the sheer decadence of summer fruitflavored ice creams, parfaits, icy concoctions and classic desserts such as brownies and waffles served a la mode to cool down from the blazing outdoor heat.

Mango Parfait with Chocolate Honey Coulis

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Fashion Focus:

GERRY KATIGBAK EDGAR MADAMBA andd FANNY SERRANO

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion Focus Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion Focus Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Gerry Katigbak Ethereal

as Mallarme’s nymph and faun spending an afternoon in the neo modern Manila where pockets of flowers vivaciously inch their way up from leftover earth, the cement pavementt are baked b k d andd glazed l d with ith the th golden ld caramell glow l off summer and the warm air carries Debussy’s notes, Gerry Katigbak captures the vibrancy of sun-soaked days in his most recent collection.

The striking hues and the fluid & flowing pieces in breezy sheer fabrics convey a cheerful and carefree ensemble. The young lady-like avant-garde look in brightly-colored silken chiffon plays peek-a-boo over a floral corset and the above-the-knee hemline accentuates the legs. g

Reinventing casual elegance amid the skyscrapers, Katigbak’s creative interpretations for the male urbanite favor Russian pants or jeans paired with the bold-tinted preppy shirts layered in checkered vest and an accent of bow tie for a preppy appeal.

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion Focus Fash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Models: MAECON TIMBOL and LOUIE ROMMEL LARIOSA (TPOL Model Management Agency) Hair and Make-Up: AWI and QUIRICO of STYLE ARTICA Quezon City DENTACARE PHILS

Locale: THE GARDENS OF CASA DIEGO REAL

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Photography and Styling: HENRY Q. FERRER ERNEST E. PUNZALAN (TPOL Creative Artists Division)

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Edgar Madamba W

hether it’s tea with the queen or a gala night at the Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton could heed some fashion advice from Edgar Madamba, one of Manila’ss notable designers. Edgar Manila Edgar’ss stylish and elegantly constructed gowns with a youthful vibe and contemporary hues can very well be the dress-to-impress must-haves fit for royalty.

Edgar’s collection is a fashion statement of sculptured yet feminine glamour. The pieces are wearable and perfect for making a grand entrance in soirees for the posh set. One of the stand-out gowns is constructed in b it hi bewitching dé ll t décolletage off aquamarine-shaded i h d d silky ilk satin ti which emphasize the delicate complexion and contrasts to the fluid princess cut with textured vertical tulle appliqués in complementing colors. His signature bold bubble-like mini skirt paired with sharp-lined fuchsia jacket is a paradox of drama and restraint.

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion Focus Fashion Focus Photography and Styling: HENRY Q Q. FERRER ERNEST E. PUNZALAN (TPOL Creative Artists Division)

Model: MAECON TIMBOL (TPOL Model Management Agency)

Hair and Make-Up: AWI & QUIRICO STYLE ARTICA SALON Quezon City

L Location: ti THE CASA DIEGO REAL by antiquarian and designer RUDY DIEGO

Acknowledgement: DENTA CARE PHILS.

by DR. JOANNA VILLADOLID-CRISTI

cus Fashion Fo

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Fanny Serrano R

eminiscent of the resurgence of the Vampire fever popularized by Stephenie Meyer in her Twilight, Fanny Serrano brings into the fore his modern reduxe of the Victorian era aesthetics transported in contemporary society.

Propriety and gentle manners are embroidered in the chin-grazing fabric, long-sleeved flowing cuts, dramatic bow appliquĂŠ, Victorian silhouettes and checkered patterns and composition, all staples in the wardrobe of the Volturi clan.

Breaking free from the strict decorum is a delicate romantic number of a one-sleeved crepe de chine scarlet gown with skyhigh slits for the mademoiselle and noir ensemble with accents of bloodshaded scarf & felt-textured hat for the gentleman.

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Fashion Focus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus Fashion Fo Models: MAECON TIMBOL LOUIE ROMMEL (TPOL Model Management Agency

Maquillage and Hair: FANNY SERRANO assisted by LAWRENCE LEUTERIO and the Fanny Serrano Salon staff

Locale: THE FANNY SERRANO ATELIER & SALON Timog, Quezon City

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Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo hion FocusFash Fashion Focus cus Fashion Fo Photographs: ERNEST E. PUNZALAN SEAN PEREZ LEONARDO DE LA FUENTE (TPOL Creative C ti Artists A ti t Division) Di i i )

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Gerald Arndt

Marketing Whiz Photographs: IBARRA SIAPNO

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“ he person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it,” noted Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s greatest poets. This axiom rings a chord of truth in the life of Gerald Arndt, General Manager of Monaco Suites de Boracay.

From Dusseldorf, the fast-faced and ultramodern financial, fashion and cultural hub by the edges of the Rhi river Rhine i andd half h lf way across the th globe l b to t the th laid-back l id b k andd stylish island resort lifestyle by the pristine shores of Boracay, Gerald brings his thunder and lightning bolt of marketing savvy skills, more than a decade of experience in the swankiest 5-Star Hotels in Germany and management wisdom of his father who had built a career in the hospitality industry.

Gerald is the man behind creating a buzz and demand for Boracayy in Deutsche land. His wide network amongg celebrities in Germany is his key to attracting the A-listers and other posh Germans who simply love the good life to visit Monaco Suites de Boracay.

He has created his strong connections with the high society crowd in Germany through his upscale night spot business in Dusseldorf. He has organized house parties for the glam set whilst showcasing avant-garde electronic music, the genre of music that originated from Dusseldorf with bands such as Kraftwerk, D.A.F., Die Krupps gaining international prominence.

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Location: MONACO SUITES DE BORACAY

In the course of his stint in Germany, Gerald has organized talk of the town events for BMW, fashion shows for international designers along the ranks of Ruth Heinen with her signature label Rita-Lagune and atelier exhibits of the late Joerg Immendorf, the famous German contemporary painter.

In the sphere of management for the hospitality sector, Gerald has helped supervise the customer service team of the 5-Star Nikko Hotel and Radisson Hotel, Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf Tracing his roots in the Philippines and being at the helm of running Monaco Suites de Boracay, Gerald is more than delighted to utilize his talents for helping drive tourism in his homeland.

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In Focus: Ibarra Siapno

Behind The Lenses Photographs: EDISON SEE

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In his quarter life, Ibarra Siapno, registered nurse and graduate from Trinity University of Asia - St Luke's College of Nursing traded the scalpel for the square cold metallic glints, glass lenses and bright flashes of the professional digital camera to capture the charisma of the iconic Imelda Marcos and Chavit Singson. He has also dabbled in travel photography primarily taking fresh takes on some of the Philippines’ prime tourist attractions.

He attributes his interest in photography to his family s legacy. family’s legacy Ibarra Ibarra’ss grandfather was a war photographer and soldier during the Vietnam War. After the tour of duty, his grandpa built his photojournalism career and later on his dad as a young man worked as a cameraman at ABC 5. However, both stopped working behind the lenses when Martial Law was declared.

Out of curiosity and as a way to rekindle the passion of his paternal lineage, in high school, Ibarra became a photographer of “Augustinian Mirror,” the student paper of Colegio S Agustin–Makati.

San A ti M k ti He H initially i iti ll documented d t d events t suchh as sports t fest, parades and theater plays.

In college, his fondness for photography grew and he upgraded his equipment from a point and shoot digital camera to a DSLR. He simply clicked away wherever he went and made it a point to share his photos for constructive review among members of the photography community in the internet.

He was amazed and privileged to be given a break

by Ernest Gonzaga, publisher of Images Asia where he started out as a behind-the-scene photographer until he was given key assignments.

Ibarra considers top-notch photographers Voltaire Domingo and Mike Alquinto as his mentors for the technical know-how in digital photography.

An avid body builder and fitness enthusiast, Ibarra also has a fun-loving side and it it’ss evident in his role as cheerleading choreographer for award-winning presentations of students.

Challenging himself for greater creativity, Ibarra plans to delve into macro and underwater photography in the near future.

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Nosing Around…..

By Ernest Gonzaga

New Philippine Licensee of Miss World Ltd.

Miss World Philippines Chairman/CEO Cory Quirino and Miss World Ltd. Chairman/CEO Julia Morley during the ceremonies at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel with Miss World 2010, Alexandria Mills and Miss Botswana and first runner up Emma Wareus

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iss World Ltd. Chairperson and CEO Julia Morley flew in to Manila recently to award the exclusive licensee agreement of Miss World Philippines to tri-media personality and wellness guru, Cory Quirino, at a ceremony witnessed by Mrs. Morley’s entourage and members of the press at the Makati ShangriL Manila La M il Hotel.

H t l This is Mrs. Morley’s first visit to Manila in the 60-year history of Miss World. It will be remembered that the pageant’s local licensee for many years was Stella Marquez de Araneta of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. Mrs. Morley was accompanied by reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills from the USA and first runner-upp Emma Wareus from Botswana. The awarding of the license was the highlight of Miss Mills’ world tour, calling it a momentous occasion for Miss World organizers. The organization is currently celebrating its 60th year of “Beauty with a Purpose” and has raised more than US$400 million in support of children’s charities across the globe since its inception.

“We are entering into a new paradigm of pageants, in keeping with our mission and values, pageants values ” remarked Ms. Ms Quirino, who, as chair of World for All Foundation, counts the PGH Medical Foundation and Tuloy Street Childen Foundation as major beneficiaries of Miss World Philippines — both of which were represented by their respective chairs, Dr, Greg Alvior and Fr. Rocky Evangelista at the signing. She added: “With more than 15 years as an officer serving Rotary International Districts 3810 and 3830, I have found the focus on community development by the organizers of Miss World congruent with my continuing advocacies.”

Alexandria Mills of USA, Miss World 2010

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Miss World Ltd. Chairperson and CEO

During their less than 48-hour stay in Manila, Mrs. Morley and her party, which included Miss World Ltd. events director Stephen Douglas and p consultant to Miss World-Asia Paul Lee, made special trips to the Philippine General Hospital, the Tuloy Street Children Foundation’s facilities in Alabang, and the Ospital ng Makati. At the luncheon ceremony, Mrs Morley recalled the pageant’s history. Founded by her husband Eric Morley in 1951, the first Miss World pageant was welcomed by an audience greater than those at other international events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games. At its peak, the show claimed an audience of 27.5 27 5 million in Britain alone. alone Sixty years onward, the pageant still manages to pull in crowds with the world’s most beautiful women assembled in one place.

The highest rank the Philippines has achieved in the Miss World Beauty Pageant was in 1973, first runner-up won by Evangeline Pascual. In 1993, actress/TV host Ruffa Gutierrez was the second runner-up.

Both of them were present during the signing ceremony.

Her acceptance of the license reflects Miss Quirino’s “commitment to be a catalyst for women and children’s health, development and empowerment,” and socio-civic undertakings will be a core activity of Miss World Philippines.

Miss Botswana and Miss World 2010 first runner up Emma Wareus, Miss USA and Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills, actress/model/TV host Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss World Ltd Chairperson/CEO Julia Morley, Miss World Philippines Chairman/CEO Cory Quirino and former beauty queen Evangeline Pascual

The enduring popularity of Miss World has been further enhanced with the gglobal beautyy pageant being localized and its exclusive license awarded to Ms. Quirino. The public is looking forward to this new chapter of the pageant’s history in the country, as shown by the attention showered upon Mrs. Morley’s visit.

Photographs: JEROME ASCANO/NPPA IMAGES

Ruffa Gutierrez, Tessa Prieto Valdes and Cory Quirino

Cory Quirino, Alexandria Miles and Emma Wareus

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Mi World Miss W ld 2010

An American Beauty Alexandria Mills 18 year-old Miss USA Alexandra Mills is the reigning Miss World 2010. The blonde beauty is a high school graduate from Louisville, Kentucky. Her intelligence, sharp wits and grace made her stand out among 115 other contestants for the prestigious pageant held in Sanya, China.

She is a currently a model for a top modeling agency in Florida and plans to pursue a teaching career in the future.

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Italian Trade Commission’s savvy Lyndon Villanueva acted as the master of ceremonies for the awarding of certificates of merit to the festival participants FURNitalia, Maserati, Segna Tempo, Ariston, The White Hat, Best World Beverages, Ducati Superbikes, ELBA, Ristorante Italiano, Versace, Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, The Heritage Hotel Manila, Oakwood Premier, Diamond Hotel, Dusit Thani, Peninsula, Dolce & Gabbana, Podium, Ferrari, KLM, Rustan’s, Cravings, L’Opera, Cantinetta, Giuseppe, Café Puccini, Puccini Bellini’s and other partners. partners The festival logo design contest was won by Jun Cristobal of the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines.

He was given an Italian watch courtesy of Segna Tempo. The grand raffle prize of two (2) roundtrip ticket Manila-Italy was handed to Ms. Andrea Relucio, one of the thousands of patrons to the Dolce Italia partner establishments.

Members of the diplomatic corps, festival partners, Italian head honchos based in the Philippines, government agencies & trade association representatives, well-respected pillars of business and Manila’s high society took part in the dazzling Italian night.

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BeDazzling

By SELENA ESCANO

A NIGHT OF SOULFUL ITALIAN JAZZ FOR DOLCE ITALIA IN MANILA! A

s magnificent as the remnants of the Roman Empire’s traces in society and architecture, the modern day Italians have the habit of making no one forget their magnificent presence and ventures on the face of the planet. Recently, the Italian Trade Commission capped “Dolce Italia,” the two-month series of cultural and gastronomic fetes in Manila with the soulful Italian Jazz, an exhibit of the most coveted Italian branded cars and motorcycle i.e. Ferraris and Vespas and oh-so-tempting Italian cocktails all in one night at the sleek venue of the White Space.

Sicilian contemporary Jazz artist on piano and vocals Daniela Schachter and Venetian experimental jazz vocalist Elena Camerin rendered soulful harmony and rhythms for a relaxed yet elegant Italian fete. Daniela evokes the vocal prowess & allure of Diana Krall with a sprinkling of Brazilian Bossa Nova whilst Elena mesmerizes with her playful improvisations reminiscent of her stint in the Afro-Cuban Quartet “Mi Ritmo.”

Both gifted artists who are based in New York thrilled the elegant crowd to the light as a feather, yet strikingly complex emotional chords of "E Se Domani," "Lo Sguardo Della Luna," “Bye Bye Bl kbi d ” “Little Blackbird,” “Li l Mouth M h off Rose,” R ” “Crazy “C D i ” “I am Wind” Desire,” Wi d” and other jazzy notes.

The Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Luca Fornari and Italian Trade Commissioner Massimilano Sponzilli led the marvelous Italian affair from start to end.

Ambassador Fornari stated, “The festival is called ‘Dolce Italia’… a ggood time to celebrate the ‘sweetness’ of the partnership between Italy and the Philippines. In fact, the deepening of political and economic relations between our two countries has led to an increase in the Italian presence in the Philippines , especially on a community level.”

“Italy is one of the countries in Southern Europe blessed with a veritable heritage of art, history, culture and the arts… Italy is the home of creativity, design and refined taste…

This juxtaposition is behind the success every Italian product --thus our best car is not only the most technologically advanced but also the best-looking… Italy is also the home of indulgence: the freshest seafood, the most excellent wines and the most appetizing pasta… This is Italy, the great country that I would like to share with all Filipinos through all events of this year’s ‘Dolce Italia,” added Italian Trade Commissioner Sponzilli.

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Unlike

the spies and secret agents infiltrating controversial organizations, Charmaine Cruz as Agent Provocateur does not go undercover with an assumed name, but simply taps into hotels and various businesses to entice them to enhance their supply chain management system with her company’s relevant products.

Charmaine is the Chief Executive Officer of Provocateur and its subsidiaries.

A successful businesswoman, she went out of her comfort zone to carve her niche in the field of global branding and management consultancy.

In her capacity as management consultant, she acts as a resource speaker in international conferences within the Asia-Pacific region. In 2008, she was one of the 100 global brand presenters in the Brand Couture Conference held at Suntec, Singapore. She is an expert in expounding concepts of brand management and brand equity in the interactive and multi-media platform for practical business applications.

She graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University where she took up her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary q y accomplished p her Master’s degree g Studies and subsequently in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. To further bolster her academic credentials and gain tools to expand her business, Charmaine is currently completing the Owner/President Management Program at the Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, which she is set to complete in 2012.

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CHARMAINE CRUZ Agent Provocateur Charmaine Cruz AGENT PROVOCATEUR Photographs: STEVEN HAMADA

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Location: PALONICA BEACH RESORT Lian, Batangas

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The degree in Communications Technology Management from Ateneo De Manila University comes in handy for Enzo.

Enzo His background on the latest technology tools for business integration and application in modern-day communications process is proving to be an asset for his various inputs to Asialink.

In essence, Enzo endeavors to help re-engineer Asialink to an innovative company that “preserves its core values and stimulates progress,” one of the key ingredients cited by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in the survey of successful blue chip multinational companies entitled “Built to Last, Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.”

When not at the pow-wow boardroom meetings, Enzo listens to his favorite tunes on his ipod and catches up on the latest trends in men’s fashion. He shares his father’s passion for travelling to appreciate cultures and architecture; sporting activities such as golf, basketball and tennis and the zen-like calm of the outdoors by the beach.

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eing destined as the one next in line to help manage and catapult the firm that previous generations have built with a solid reputation and strong foundation can be a daunting and pressure-filled goal for someone young. However, it does not seem like a Herculean task for the 23-year old Enzo Lugtu.

Lugtu After all, all youth has its own advantages of daring and fresh insights into business.

His nonchalant demeanor and cool calculated moves veil an intense focus and active mind. Enzo, the second in the brood of four, takes to heart his apprenticeship at the Executive Office of Asialink Corporation. He feels privileged to take the lead from his father Ruben Lugtu, the company’s Chairman and President. Enzo looks up to his dad as his role model. Enzo keeps in his pocket the words of wisdom that for one to succeed in business, one must be keen on understanding the essence of the Filipino values and adapt to the changes in the socio-economic landscape.

From Enzo’s point of view, the business environment is indeed in a flux of rapid changes and to jumpstart the company to new heights, he believes that a new business framework with appropriate strategies is a necessity.

The New York best-sellingg non-fiction book "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century” authored by Thomas Friedman expounded the challenges that Enzo echoed, “There is a perceptual shift for companies & individuals to be competitive in the global market…. sociopolitical & geographical walls & barriers are becoming irrelevant… The global platform allowed more people to plug and play, collaborate & compete, share knowledge & share work, than anything we have ever seen in the history of the world.”

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Lorenzo “Enzo” Lugtu

COOL EFFECT Photographs: IBARRA SIAPNO

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SOAK UP THE SUN Experience an epiphany of the beauty of the cloud-freckled azure skies kissing the turquoise seas in a mirror reflection as the jealous powdery white sands cling to the sea sea’ss lengthening arms on the waiting shores of Boracay.

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Sweethearts hold their dream weddings and honeymoons in one of the island’s row of premier hotels and resorts. On the other hand, partygoers swarm after dark to the fashionable strip of g p namelyy Heyy Jude’s,, Cocomangas, g , Friday’s y Bar,, Beachcomber nightspots Bar and other lively venues.

The sports minded and adventurous types get their natural highs from water sports of scuba diving, jet skiing & parasailing; island hopping on Bulabog beach, Diniwid beach, Ilig-iligan beach & Puka shell beach; exploration of bat caves, Mount Luho, Crystal Cove, Willy’s Rock, Kar-Tir Shell Museum; and other sporting activities like beach volleyball, Frisbees, golf, horseback riding and ATV/bug car driving. driving Sun worshippers simply lounge around the incomparable shorelines of Boracay for suntan and henna tattoos. By dusk, depending on their caprice, they sip martini, pinacolada, vodka or fresh young coconut juice while they simply marvel at the magnificent sunset unraveling nature’s installation art exhibit represented in the panoramic and strikingly-colored abstract painting in the skies and varying daily depending on the sun’s mood.

Indeed, tourists of different persuasions from all over the world flock to Boracay to check their bucket list with a bright pen marker. There’s a different brand of joie de vivre for everyone in this paradise of serendipities

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The proverbial countless multi multi-hued hued jars of joy are swathed on its world-renowned talc-like fine powdery white sands on the shores, ready to be opened for island paradise experiences that sparkle like a thousand eyes of the nightscape and dazzle as diverse as the charms and sweet surprises of Boracay itself.

Whether one is a first time visitor or a habitué, there’s always something dazzling to discover and re-discover in this butterfly-shaped island on the Northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas. It is easily accessible by air from Manila, Cebu to two major portals of Caticlan and Kalibo airports. Major airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, SEAIR, Asian Spirit and Air Philippines fly en route to the ultimate tropical paradise of Boracay.

On and off the beach of Boracay, travelers enjoy tthee eexcitements c te e ts aandd wo wonders de s o of tthee island. s a d.

For children tugging along their doting parents and relatives, Boracay is a place to build castles in the sand, find unique seashells or draw doodles on the expanse of pristine sands.

Families share fresh crabs, lobsters and other gastronomic thrills over animated conversations at D’Talipapa, Mango Ray, Aria, Jonah’s Café del Sol, Cyma and other restaurants.

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Boracay

Sparkling Serendipities Photographs: JOHN ERNEST GREGORY

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His natural charisma among his constituents and the masses at large combined with his savvy communication chops and sincerity to reach out to those in need is the key point in his public service playbook. Together with other members of the House of Representatives, Dan aims to push for economic legislation that would spur investments and employment in the country.

A thinking man who has always placed community service as one of his top priorities, he’s able to tap into his skills as a licensed Optometrist during out-reach programs and medical missions.

On the other hand, Dan has not completely abandoned his thespian calling. He recently played the role of the chieftain in the iconic mythical Filipino hero flick entitled “Ang Panday �

Panday.

Dan is married to the former actress Sheila Ysrael and they have 3 beautiful children.

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reluding 1st District of Laguna Congressman Dan C D F Fernandez’ d ’ endeavor d t build to b ild national ti l pride among his countrymen and help create positive changes for the underprivileged through legislature, his masculine magnetism had catapulted him to fame as one of the lead stars in Philippine cinema’s action genre of the 80s and early 90s such as “Cobra” “Padre Calibre” and “Alfredo Lim: Batas ng Maynila” and dramatic actor in “Mara Clara,” the Philippines’ longest-running soap opera series in the mid-90s.

Dan and other cream of the crop actors is no stranger to politics. In the United States, the late President Ronald Reagan and the current Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger are both big Hollywood names.

Locally, former President Erap Estrada was an action hero in the movies and other notable figures in politics like Vilma Santos, Batangas Governor, Herbert Bautista, Quezon City Mayor and Lucy Torres, Congresswoman from Ormoc were all mainstays of tinsel town prior to their services in government.

Previous to his stint in the Lower House, Dan has served as the Board Member and Vice Governor of Laguna in the late 90s and by the turn of the new millennium successively.

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Dan Fernandez

Pushes Forward to Public Service Photographs: VOLTAIRE DOMINGO

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Dress: M}PHOSIS

Short Cocktail Dress: CAROLINE ROSSIGNOL

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Long Dress: NORDSTROM’S

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Gown: AUREO ALONZO Location: BALAW BALAW Angono, Rizal THUNDERBIRD RESORT Binangonan, Rizal

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She also co-starred in the art film The Hunt for Eagle One: Crashpoint together with Mark Dacascos of Brotherhood of the Wolf and Theresa Randle of Bad Boys 2.

2 She honed her craft as a talented and versatile actress at the Lee Strasburg Acting Institute and American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC under the mentorship of renowned coaches Florence Greenberg and Tim Krause. She is also a degree holder in Behavioral Science and Fine Arts at the Drew University, New York.

For Renee, her acting is a pure form of art and every other mode of manifestation becomes sacred art itself. Thereby, more than meets the eye for her stunning on-stage and on cam artistic performances, Renee exudes creativity and champions environmental cause through her flamboyant imaginations in the mixed media art of diorama sceneries and pop-up cards made from recycled materials.

One of her eclectic and gothic dioramas utilizes bronze-coated and silver screws hanging upside down with the sharp edges pointed on the floor like apocalyptic stalactites laced with polyester yellow flowers in a cavernous underworld-waiting-room cum purgatory littered with cigarette butts and inhabited by a lone chair made of pastel-painted and flower stenciled aluminum soda caps with wooden matchsticks feet, alongside the window perspective that reveals the peek-a-boo point of view of a paper-cut out priest and other people in suits.

Her other lighter impressions on diorama, showcase a dinner with di ith an emblazoned bl d print i t off love l on a gigantic i ti heart-shaped h t h d paper and a counter with a plastic waitress besides a sugary and rainbow-colored round gum dispenser reminiscent of Kidlat Tahimik’s classic Cannes Film Award-winning masterpiece Fragrant Nightmares.

Renee also expresses her artistic sensibilities at the Le Poisson Rouge.

She co-manages the 1100-capacity music venue and multimedia art nightspot at the renowned Village Gate.

With her snappy and witty banter and rapport with artsy-types, Renee charges the air with mega-kilowatts of energy and it’s a breeze for her to organized concerts, multimedia events and special events at the tabula rasa space that boasts of the acoustic engineering by the legendary John Storyk/WSDG, the sound genius behind Electric Lady Studios and Jazz at the Lincoln Center.

Renee also oversees the adjacent Gallery of Le Poisson Rouge which is a haven for quarterly installation art exhibits and an optional party venue. venue Renee adds her inventive touches to every event detail and even personally mixes the night owl concoctions.

Guests at the Le Poisson Rogue include the Artist formerly known as Prince and David Bowie to name a few.

Whatever medium she gets her hand on, Renee effortlessly unravels a contemplation of art for art’s sake and stamps her mark in New York, the inimitable place where dreams unfold only for those who could rise among the cream of the crop for their unique gifts andd talents. l Sh owes the She h purity i off her h love l f creative for i expression i andd triumph on the artistic world stage to her pioneering parents in their own rights, Ping Valencia, the former Karilagan model & Ms. Earth Philippines organizer and Rony Rogoff, the renowned violinist.

Short Cocktail Dress: CAROLINE ROSSIGNOL

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“ n New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you….“ Alicia Key’s musical ode to the big Apple reverberates softly in the background at every spectrum of wistful to whimsical expression of the ravishing and disarming aura of US-based Filipina actress and multi-media artist Renee Rogoff.

B Bespoke k off the th l k off elegance look l andd cosmopolitan sophistication palpably peppered with an intrepid spirit, vivaciousness, and youthful vitality, the 30-year old Renee conquered the theatrical stage beyond the home of the Empire State Building and garnered the Best Actress Award for starring in Stella Adler’s original play Going West and Psychotherapy in LA. On the silver screen, Renee recently played one of the main characters in the short art film Poetry Man, a depiction of the y the shadows of trust cathartic and redeemingg ppower of art beyond and betrayal in the streets of the Bronx.

Stepping into the shoes of Destiny, Renee was the female protagonist caught in the web of cybercrimes in the short film Glitch. The film won the Best Drama award in the El Cajon Video and Film Festival.

Dress: M}PHOSIS

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Renee Rogoff

Rated R Photographs: IBARRA SIAPNO Hair & Make Up: RENATA ROMULO Dress: ARMANI

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IMAGESASIA Volume 1 Number 5 March/April 2011 Php 250.00 | US$7.50

the expressions of art, life and style

Ruben “Rubby” Lugtu

VISIONARY LEADER FOR THE UNSUNG HEROES