IMAGESASIA Volume 2 Number 4 2016 Second Quarter Special Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50
the expressions of art, life and style
FOREWORD Ever since my high school days in my hometown of Lingayen, Pangasinan, whenever I have the pleasure of meeting an interesting, valuable or worthwhile person from any walk of life, my curiousity is piqued. I am galvanized into action, finding myself asking a stream of questions, listening attentively to the questions, listening questions, to the answers while taking notes at the same time. There is this innate feeling that this encounter is one that will be of a major significance. Ernest Gonzaga is such a worthwhile person and our encounter was so significant. We had the pleasure of meeting each other thru a mutual friend whose column started the society page of Fil Am Star, a weekly newspaper I Co-founded in 2007, and published in the City of San Francisco, California. It was in early 2008 when I met Ernest in person at Shangri-la EDSA in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It was then that I found out, he was in fact, the ghost writer for that column. Without any hesitation, I made the decision that his name should be the one appearing in the newspaper, thus Ernest’s Earnest Snoops was born. For over seven years, Ernest’s Snoops provided an avenue for all home sick California based Filipino Americans, if not the whole United States to be in the know about the on-goings in our home country. His column kept us abreast on interesting personalities worthy of knowing and wonderful places worthy of visiting. For the readers of the column, it was the next best thing to being back home. At my invitation, he travelled to San Francisco for a visit. That’s when I got to know him more not only as Ernest the writer but as a Ernest, a most special person. It was a visit that lasted for months. My relationship with Ernest is one I consider “special”. Characterized by mutual admiration and respect. He continued his column even after I stepped down as Publisher, and yet we both managed to communicate on a regular basis be it via long distance calls, social media and in person, during my twice a year visits to Manila. Ernest is a man of many hats and talents. A prolific writer, columnist of MANILA UP Magazine (Earnest Snoops) in Los Angeles, California, USA and columnist of Images Asia Magazine (Frontline), Publisher and Executive Editor of IMAGES ASIA Magazine but the one I treasure the most is friend. So to my dearest friend Ernest Gonzaga, I salute you and may you continue sharing your talent and friendship to the world. Mario Cendana-Panoringan Co-Founder-Publisher Emeritus Fil Am Star
Publisher & Editor-at-Large ERNEST GONZAGA Editor-in-Chief MINA ANGELES
Associate Editor ALEXIS CRUZ
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
Photographers
SEAN PEREZ | MARLO CUETO
Contributing Photographers
JIC CAFRANCA | NORMAN PASCUAL SAN DIEGO | RED RODRIGUEZ
U.S.A. /Europe Photo Correspondents JAQUELINE ANDREA Las Vegas, NV | IRVIN RIVERA Los Angeles, CA MJ CACHERO Geneva, Switzerland
Production Staff
EFREN CHINEDO | ANTONIO EVARISTO
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. 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
For more information visit www.images-asia.com https://issuu.com/imagesasia
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Inside IMAGESASIA
CHAVIT SINGSON
BECKY GARCIA
VIGAN CITY
MANOLYN TAYLOR
ROBINA KO
JULYAN HARRISON
LISA NAIDAS
HAMADA BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB’S BEST
VALDEPENASMENDOZA WEDDING
ENI ALBA
GINA RONQUILL0
FRONTLINE BY ERNEST GONZAGA
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LUIS „CHAVIT‟ SINGSON Lasting Power
CHAVIT SINGSON
Photographed by VOLTAIRE DOMINGO/NPPA IMAGES
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CHAVIT SINGSON
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W
ith a political career that spans more
than half a century, Chavit Singson has demonstrated charisma, fortitude and leadership to preserve and promote the Spanish colonial heritage of Vigan, regardless of the nation’s at times tumultuous history and changes in government. Chavit is instrumental in conserving Vigan as a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects a convergence of cultural elements of the Philippines, China, Europe and Mexico to create a unique architecture and townscape unique that can only be found in the country. To further develop and promote the rich culture and natural resources of Vigan, Chavit has built and established a museum where he has numerous art works and wildlife on display. He has also set up the 80-hectare private zoo with variety of animals from all over the world. The museum and private zoo are popular tourist attractions and admission is free for easy access of both locals and in-bound travelers.
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As a tribute to Ilocos Sur’s stability and strength with its rich heritage and current progressive business boom, Chavit has constructed a mansion perched on top of a hill, aptly called “Baluarte.” With his open door policy, Chavit made it possible for tourists to visit the mansion. In view of making Vigan and the entire Ilocus Sur province more accessible to tourists and businessmen, Chavit in partnership with his good friend and Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, has recently invested in a Boeing 737 for chartered flights to Ilocus Sur coming from both local and international airports. In support of Chavit’s unrelenting efforts to promote Ilocos Sur through travel and tourism, no less than the entire Miss World Philippines 2015 candidates and entourage, led by its CEO Cory Quirino graced the plane’s inaugural journey.
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Flights to Ilocos Sur are complemented onground with Chavit’s long-running Partas Bus Company that offers reliable and efficient transportation to the region. Chavit also helps local farmers and trading in Ilocus Sur through his Virginia tobacco plantation. After decades of being at the top position of the local government of Ilocos, nowadays, Chavit as a counselor still actively serves his constituents. Inspired by their father’s commitment to serve fellow Ilocanos, Chavit’s sons are both dynamic members of government. One is a member of the local administration and the other is a representative for congress. Though Ilocanos are known for being frugal, Chavit showed that heavily investing in his hometown is the path to growth and progress. His strong resolve to see the development of Ilocos as a business and tourism hub has endeared him among Ilocanos and the nation at large.
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Locations: BALUARTE FORBIDDEN VILLAGE HERITAGE VILLAGE CRISOLOGO STREET VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR
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BECKY GARCIA Dancing With The Star Photographed by HENRY FERRER
B
ecky Garcia is a glamorous and sultry socialite in the Manila’s glitterati scene.
With her natural grace, she popularized ballroom dancing including lambada in the country. She remains at the forefront of ballroom dance culture and serves as co-chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee’s Commission on Culture.
Becky is known for founding Dancesport Council of the Philippines. She is instrumental in developing Filipino ballroom dancers locally through intensive training with professional dancers from abroad. With her efforts, Filipino ballroom dancers have won numerous competitions on a global level. Aside from her inspiring role in the country’s dance culture, Becky is also a wellrespected society writer for The Manila Times.
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Gown by OLIVER TOLENTINO
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As a business woman, Becky is the president for two diverse multinational companies. One is Vonotec Inc and the other is Capitol Horizon. At the helm of Vonotec, Becky leads the company in providing and supplying construction services and equipment for the real estate industry. Her company represents many respected brands in the construction industry and has been very active in bringing in the latest technology and innovations to keep our local contractors on the cutting edge. For Capitol Horizons, Becky collaborates with world-renowned Filipino and Dutch architects and business men on design, development and financing of real estate and infrastructure projects in the Philippines. To balance her busy lifestyle, Becky jet sets with her husband Dr. George Sarakinis to many countries around the world. She enjoys travelling to Europe and appreciates the unique culture and beauty of the countries that she visits. However, the biggest thrill for her is coming home because it will remain as the best country in the world for her and despite seeing so many beautiful places abroad, the Philippines is her paradise. Some places have signs that say “take home nothing but memories� and that is what Becky does. She takes home memories and friendships that she keeps and cherishes over hundreds of miles. The friends that she finds on her travels are her true treasures.
Gown by ITO CURATA
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Speaking of memories, when asked about her most memorable experiences, Becky had a hard time because of the sheer number of them. However, two events stand out as much more memorable than the rest. One of these is her beautiful wedding at the Makati Shangrila. Second is an intimate dinner hosted by Prince Harry in London, in honor of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Becky was instrumental in making the meeting and dinner possible and it is a very significant highlight of her life. Memories are of course closely associated with achievements too. One of Becky’s achievements includes organizing the visit of Paloma Picasso to the Philippines to launch the Mes Jours Mes Nuits cosmetic line is one. Paloma is the daughter of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. Another achievement close to Becky’s heart is the successful staging of Carnival Rio in Manila which involved flying in 17 Samba dancers from Rio de Janeiro and holding a parade culminating in a masquerade ball at the Westin Philippine Plaza, now rebranded as Sofitel.
Location: MAKATI SHANGRI-LA HOTEL Hair & Make-up: JHUN BALBUENA Gown by OSKAR PERALTA
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Gown by OLIVER TOLENTINO As they say, good things happen to good people and Becky has a lot of good karma going for her. She believes strongly that the way you treat others will be how you will be treated yourself. She also believes that life is about a balance between good and bad. Things do not stay good or bad all the time and experiences, good or bad, are there to provide a balance. She admires one person the most, Jesus Christ, particularly for living a non-violent life, yet living without compromising his values. Becky does not really consider herself a collector but she hastens to add that all women do like nice clothes, jewelry, bags and shoes. All these are just there for her to be able express her own unique fashion style which she calls “Becky Garcia� style. She does not fall for stereotype fashion. She prefers to blaze her own path as a leader and not a follower in sartorial style. Unlike some other women, Becky relies only on the simplest things to maintain her slim figure and gorgeous looks. Balanced diet, morning and evening skin and body care routines and moderate physical activity are the core of her regimen. The only other thing she adds is a good spiritual life in order to maintain a perfect balance of body and soul. In the future, Becky dreams of seeing a Filipino couple provide the Philippines with a championship in Dancesport. She hopes that setting up the Dancesport Academy in the Philippines can bring the realization of the dream.
Gown by ITO CURATA
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VIGAN:
THE NEW 7 WONDERS CITY T
he New7Wonders Foundation awarded
Vigan City as one of the New7Wonders cities of the world. Created in 2001 by celebrated author and filmaker Bernard Weber, the New7Wonders foundations objectives were to be a major force in protecting the worlds natural and human built heritage and to help create a deep respect for the diversity of our planet. Funding is provided via licensing and commercial partnerships with private companies and funds are not drawn from local and national goverments. Vigan was officially inaugurated this May 2015 amidst much fanfare. The founder and president of New7Wonders, Bernard Weber was onhand for the ceremony. A lot of local officials.
Photographed by HENRY FERRER
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led by Vice President Jejomar Binay were present and Binay was the guest speaker for the event. The Vice President called on those present to view the event as an inspiration for how urban development and heritage conservation can coexist and even benefit one another. Referring to the urbanization that has overrun Metro Manila, Binay stated that there are other measures of prosperity aside from the amount of urban skylines. As Vigan has demonstated, trade and tourism can be increased through means other than malls and buildings. The VP called on Vigan to be instumental in spreading the word about the factors and mindset behind their success to other regions and to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved in the areas where they still exist. Binay lamented that billions of dollars had been spent by the government to restore and preserve cultural heritage, something that could have been avoided if a higher value was placed on cultural legacy, heritage and on mother earth. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the bronze plaque that lists Vigan as a New7Wonders City. This was a most special plaque that was made in a traditional metal foundry in Munich Germany. The plaque bears testament to the advocacy of New7Wonders to preserve cultural legacy and heritage.
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One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the bronze plaque that lists Vigan as a New7Wonders City. This was a most special plaque that was made in a traditional metal foundry in Munich Germany. The plaque bears testament to the advocacy of New7Wonders to preserve cultural legacy and heritage. It will not take a first time visitor to Vigan long to see why it was chosen as a New7Wonders city. The phrase “a city where time seems to have stopped� is often used to describe Vigan and this is immediately apparent from the moment one steps into the city. The cobblestone streets and architecture are a beautiful blend of Asian, Spanish and European influences, a veritable showcase of our rich and widely varied cultural heritage.
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In fact, prior to becoming a New7Wonders city, Vigan was also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is one of the few cities where the old Hispanic structures still existed. Something that has become extremely rare in this era of rapid urbanization. The buildings of the past coexist with a sprinkling of modern buildings and amenities built to accommodate tourists but by and large, Vigan is truly a city that brings one back in time to a more elegant era where kalesas provided the main form of transport on the romantic cobble stoned roads that run through the city.
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Because of 2 titles, as a UNESCO Heritage Site and a New7Wonders City, the residents of Vigan all have this intense feeling of pride for their city. With this feeling and the support of their local officials, it is hoped that the flames of pride that they lit in Vigan will spread to other cities in the Philippines
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MANOLYN TAYLOR
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MANOLYN The Fabulous Buddhist Photographed by RED RODRIGUEZ
M
anolyne Taylor literally takes your breath away with her beauty. One would never
suspect, that this vision of loveliness is a true survivor of the vicious Pol Pot regime. Perched on the shoulders of her father, they escaped from one of Pol Pot’s camps back in 1978. Her father would later become a minster of parliament, while Manolyne studied at the National School of Management in Cambodia and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She eventually went to work for the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Cambodia where fate decreed that she would meet her future husband. Jeff Taylor, an Englishman, worked for the Asian Development Bank and he was assigned as advisor to the Minister of Economy in Cambodia. It was inevitable that their paths would cross and the rest is history. It was a match made in heaven and they made for a very handsome, stylish and glamorous couple, repeatedly singled out by society publications as the best dressed couple during many social events. They are blessed with two sons. Seven year old Oliver who is an avid football player, capable of playing for 10 hours a day had it not been for school. Then there is four year old Joshua, an aviation enthusiast who has already declared that he will be pilot one day. While Manolyne is so proud of her 2 energetic boys, she still hopes for a baby girl whom she can share her more feminine interests with.
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Until then though, she keeps herself fabulously slim and sexy by engaging in at least 2 hours of gym workout every day. As soon as the boys leave for school, she’s off to her daily workout. Manolyne is currently immersed in two things at the moment. Home design and shopping. Both of her interests allow her to indulge in her passion to collect things. Being a stylish and fabulous woman, she collects handbags, shoes and clothes. She also collects Cambodian art for home design. While her character reveals a truly Asian streak, focusing primarily on family and home, her fashion sense is very cosmopolitan. Known for her very stylish looks, her fashion style is primarily Cambodian but with quite a bit of classical French influence. It’s a very intriguing, lovely combination which Manolyne carries beautifully. Manolyne is a Theravāda Buddhist which is a type of Buddhism that is practiced across the Mekong and Sri Lanka. What sets it apart from other Buddhists is that Buddha is not considered a God but as a person whom one should emulate. She has worked extensively in the Cambodian Red Cross with H.E. Madam Bun Rany Hun Sen and Princess Noradom Marie Ranariddh. This part of her life is what she considers her greatest achievement to date. The strong impulse to serve her community is mirrored in the person she admires the most and this is no other than Jayavarman VII who was the King that built Angkor Thom City in Siam Reap and the Bayon temple in the 12th century. Considered Cambodia’s greatest warrior king who expanded its empire to cover almost all of the Mekong, his main aim was to alleviate the suffering of his people. To this end he built more than 100 hospitals. Intriguingly Manolyne considers the most important aspect of Jayavarman VII is that he was known to always listen to his wife. Manolyne is a football fan and her most exciting travel experience was when she traveled to Paris with her friend Kitty to watch France and Brazil in a football match. The game itself was exciting and they also got to sit in the Royal box with football legends Pele and Zinadine Zidane. A most unforgettable experience by any measure.
IMAGESASIA 27 Manolyne is a football fan and her most exciting travel experience was when she traveled to Paris with her friend Kitty to watch France and Brazil in a football match. The game itself was exciting and they also got to sit in the Royal box with football legends Pele and Zinadine Zidane. A most unforgettable experience by any measure.
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FRONTLINE
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By ERNEST GONZAGA
AGILE ZAMORA‟S „60S INSPIRED BIRTHDAY BASH “Party people know how to enjoy life”
Eduardo Lagdameo, Ronnie Henares, Mario Stark, Angela Pia Santos and Aiko Melendez Wopsy Zamora and birthday girl Agile Zamora
D
isco music was born in the late 60s
but it became most popular during the mid to late 70s. These were the days of the Hustle, Donna Summer, Saturday Night Fever and so many more. This was also when discotheques became the in thing, with Studio 54 leading the charge. Disco was partying and this partying fever spilled over to the early 1980s saw the emergence of electronic dance music, house and new wave. As disco fell out of fashion in the decade’s early years, genres such as post-disco, Italo disco and dance-pop became more popular. Rock music continued to enjoy a wide audience. Subgenres such as new wave. Likewise, the 80’s saw the emergence of Trash Metal, a genre which started on the west coast of the United States, particularly in California. The 1980’s are commonly remembered for an increase in the use of digital recording, associated with the usage of synthesizers, with synthpop music and other electronic genre featuring non-traditional instruments increasing in popularity. Also during this decade, several major electronic genres were develop including, electro, techno, house, freestyle and Eurodance rising in prominence during the 1990’s and beyond.
Sandie Poblador, Jennifer Weigel, Ofelia Nunez, Carminia Pavia and Monchet Munoz
Rachel de Guzman, Geff Candido, Czarina Ablaza Syquia and Duday Tuason
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During this transition, the DJ became the focal point in many clubs and the preference for one DJ over the other led to many groups favoring the same DJ night after night. The end result? Well it was a nonstop party because the groups became friends and the DJs knew the crowd favorites. This is why to those who partied during this era, life was indeed one big party. The 80’s-90’s music became the focal for the birthday celebration the birthday of one of Manila’s party girls, the beautiful and bubbly, Agile Zamora in a themed party called “Party people know how to enjoy life” held recently at the Sage of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. She turned 48 years old. It was quite a match made in heaven that the party girl should be married to Disco King Wopsy Zamora. Wopsy earned this title after being the man behind the disco equipment of the disco era, lights, sounds and music. He was singularly responsible for equipping hundreds of discos both here and abroad.
Agile Zamora and Mike Toledo
With such a power party couple hosting the celebration, it was to be expected that the ShangriLa would be overrun by the hundreds of Agile’s friends and business associates of Wopsy who trooped in to celebrate what they knew would be the year’s best party. And party they did with the guests really dancing the night away amidst endless servings of food and drinks. It was the epic party of 2016. Even those who thought they left their dancing shoes on were drawn out of their seats by the awesome party music. This is after all the party of the Disco King for the Disco Queen and the crème dela crème of DJs were on hand to provide the groove. Friends grooved in and twirled to the music of the country’s top DJs Boyet Almazan, Manolet “DJ Papi” Santos, Elmer Dado with his group, Grupo Timbale. One of the highlights of the evening was when Wopsy, whose name is synonymous with the disco era and the main man of his own company, Amigo Anzia made a rare and limited performance just for his wife. Agile.
Amanda Zamora and Sylvia Lichauco
Party people know how to enjoy life indeed, and partying is the ultimate fountain of youth. It seemed as though everyone was transported back in time that night and it seemed as though it was suddenly the 90s once again. The youthful beauty of the belle of the party shone the whole night, and was the ultimate proof that partying and enjoying life could turn back the hands of time. The message to all was clear, life is one big party, lets party on.
Wishing my dear Agile all of the very best. Age is just an indication of how long we have been partying and having a blast on this planet. Cheers!
Jeff and Manolyn Taylor, Malu Francisco and Fortune Ledesma
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The dancing jetset crowd
David Lim, Agile Zamora and Sandie Poblador
Agile Zamora, Manette Agbayani, Camille Agbayani, Becky Garcia and Jaz Carreon
Ferdy Sy, Philippe Bartolomi, Arthur Manuntag and Dominic Almazan
Mags Cue, Carol Ocampo, Nikki Tang and Sitoy de Guzman
Natalie Diane Lim-Ang, Joy Wambangco Rustia and Ito Curata
Nikki Tang, Natalie Diane Lim Ang, Joy Wambangco Rustia, Ofelia Wadle and Carol Merado
Marian Ong Nuguid, Yoli Ayson, Linda Ley, Hera Geriene and Rachel de Guzman
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THE SOCIETY FOR CULTURAL ENRICHMENT, INC.‟S “WHEN ART MEETS FASHION”
When fashion turns to art, to borrow inspiration, technique and notions of the avant-garde, good and bad taste, the result is a symbiosis of creative energies. The Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI) recently presented an event titled “When Art Meets Fashion,” a fashion collection inspired by art to collaborations with artists. Now on its second year, the glittery event was attended by hundreds of guests from the diplomatic, business, art and society hosted by Johnny Litton. The guests were welcomed by SCEI chairperson Consul Helen Ong and vice chairman, former Central Bank governor Jaime Laya. The members of the event committee likewise attended to the guests composed of Eni Alba, Sheree Chua, Consul Agnes Huibonhua, Consul Betty Chua, Maritess Pineda and Elaine Villar. The first part was the special awarding of some of the worthy and commendable citizens in the field of arts headed by Ryan Cayabyab for music; Liza Macuja Elizalde for dance; Danny Dolor for propagation of the arts and culture, whose citation was accepted by Armita Rufino; Anna Vergel for novelty crafts; Ramon Orlina for sculpture and Jose Tence Ruiz for painting. The second part was a fashion show participated in by the members and friends of SEI. Each segment had a vibrant color theme.
Enrique and Flora Chua with designer Paul Cabral
My congratulations to the entire Society for Cultural Enrichment, Inc for staging the brilliant and efficacious event “When Art Meets Fashion”.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Sheree Chua
Ryan Cayabyab, Johnny Litton and Sheree Chua
Noel and Duday Tuason
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THE SOCIETY FOR CULTURAL ENRICHMENT, INC.‟S “WHEN ART MEETS FASHION”
The awardees: Ryan Cayabyab, Armita Rufino for Danny Dolor, Jose Tence Ruiz, Liza Macuja Elizalde, Anna Vergel and Ramon Orlina
Maritess Pineda, Mimi Valero and Flora Chua
Anna Vergel and Eni Alba
Sheree Chua, Salome Uy, Elaine Villar and Myrna Yao
Mimi Valero, Elaine Villar, Helen Ong, Jaime Laya, Eni Alba and Sheree Chua
Lisa Macuja Elizalde , Sheree Chua, Helen Ong and Jaime Laya
Anna Sia
Carol Ocampo Mercado
Babylyn Newfield
Eni Alba
Joyce Pilarsky
Tiffany and Carrot Copok
Margie Timoteo
Joy Rustia
Alden and Shelly Lazaro
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ROBINA KO Status Symbol Photographed by RONIN URBINA
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W
hen you talk about beauty salons, the
name Robina Ko always come out. She is the owner and marketing whiz of the popular salon in the city, Status Hair Salon. Together with her business partner and sister Roseann, Robina made Status Hair Salon the phenomenon it is today.They both got into the salon business independently so many years back. Robina owns Azta while Roseann owns Benefits. Then they decided to come together for a joint business venture. Undeniably, the Ko sisters are flourishing in the business of beauty.
Working together in the salon, is a family affair for Robina and her sister. They shared their love and passion for the business and integrated ideas to build their salon. They carefully chose materials, furniture, interior design including the colors to be used which for them will represent the vibe of their salon. Robina’s style in fashion is fun and trendy which is conspicuous in her store’s modern ambience and the services she offers. Status Hair Salon gives a comfortable feel making the salon experience for the client a very personal one. Her personality oozes with charm and success. With the support of her sister Roseann and the rest of her family and friends, Status Salon became one of the top stores in beauty services. She created Status Hair Salon back in 2011 and just few years after, Status Hair Salon was awarded Best Choice Award in 2014 as Best Choice High-End Beauty Care and Treatment Salon.
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The first ever official celebrity endorser of Status Hair Salon is Karylle. Robina describes Karylle as beautiful person, someone with a good heart, a very smart young woman at the same time fun to be with andsomeone who is interesting to talk to. Karylle became a special friend to the Ko sisters. She drops by more often now than before when she was single because she thinks that she should take care of herself more now that she married. She wants to keep herself beautiful for her husband. Robina and her sister Roseann continue to improve their services. Unceasingly finding ways to make their patrons satisfied by offering affordable packages and coming up with more appealing methods in delivering their service. They send their key people to Hongkong and Malaysia for training.
Status Salon caters to both men and women, offering a wide range of services and treatment from head to toe. Some of these are: digital perm, highlights, rebond, hair relax, airbrush make up, keratin treatment, waxing, various grooming, hair and scalp treatment. Robina makes it a point that her salon will cater to Filipino lifestyle and whatever they need is right in one place. What defines their Salon is the Malaysian hair analysis system, a service exclusive to Status Hair Salon. Each store she owns and operates has its particular target market depending on the location. She has a store where it’s flooded with students, another one, with more moms coming in and surprisingly, some of her salon is dominated by male customers. In this era, men just like women go mad over hairstyles. Status Hair Salon truly provides a wide selection of beauty service for clients with high international standard but keeping the rates at reasonable prices. You can find them in Eastwood, Katipunan, Robinsons Galleria, Connecticut Greenhills and Tomas Morato. It is a huge success for Robina to be able to build her own brand and moreso in getting people to franchise Status Hair Salon. They are offering a franchise starting at half a million inclusive of the salon design, layout as well as the construction and renovation. The building of the salon will be managed by Status Salon accredited project engineers. The salon construction will be shouldered by the franchisee at a cost. Robina opened her business to franchising because she wants to share her success and help other people build their own enterprise. Apart from setting up her salon empire as one of her greatest achievements, giving birth to her sweet little girl Princess Elle is her most memorable experience in life. Princess Elle is her world and inspiration for her success.
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When she was pregnant, she couldn’t forget the time when she swam with the Butantings in Oslob, Cebu. She felt like her baby was also swimming with her and the whales. Robina also enjoys her travels with her family and friends to different parts of Europe and the United States. The most unforgettable ones are biking at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and watching the championship game of Golden State Warriors.
Robina said her guiding principle in life is “to live your life to the fullest and spend time with your loved ones as much as you can�. Then she proudly mentioned that she idolizes her mom and dad for being the best teachers about life. She dedicates her triumph over life struggles to her beloved parents. Another personality she admires is Ivanka Trump. Robina loves her because she can balance work, family and everything else. This young and vibrant mom is never afraid of trying new strategies in her career. Always keen on upcoming trends in fashion and beauty, she focuses on standing out from the rest. Bringing a fresh new style in beauty service has become her trademark. She is committed in giving the best service to her clients, making them look and feel good about themselves.
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Salon: STATUS HAIR SALON Gowns by MARA CHUA Clothes by APARTMENT 8 Jewelry by LUVI JEWELRY HOSEKI FLUTTER Location: TAGAYTAY CITY
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FILIPINO ON TIME: IBARRA WATCHES LAUNCHES ITS RIZAL SERIES
Nipa Brew's special craft, Cerveza de Ibarra, exclusively for the Ibarra Watches Launch.
Ibarra Watches launched the Rizal series of its Ilustrado Collection. The brand had invited friends from showbiz, fashion, and media to a night of good flavor and company at Pablo Restaurant in Picasso Boutique-Serviced Residences as they celebrated the birth of a new Filipino Time. Talas ManileĂąo owner and celebrity, Jericho Rosales, who came with his wife, Kim Jones, was one of the notable friends and guests present at the launch, along with producer-director, Michael Carandang, Parokya ni Edgar drummer, Dindin Moreno, TV host and personality, Andrei Felix, and UP Fighting Maroons Team Captain and MEGA Style Awards awardee, JR Gallarza. In 2013, physicist and manufacturing specialist, Nico Moreno, stumbled upon the art of timepieces. Marveled and astounded, he immediately fell in love with it. A scholar from humble beginnings, it was a challenge for him to find a watch that would be able to manifest a great impression, while keeping the best quality and still making it accessible. Using this concept as an inspiration, Ibarra was born. The Ibarra brand offers watches that would provide the perfect fit to the Filipino wrist: through its First Glance, its Follow-through, and its Filipino Story. Ibarra Watches conveys an impression that Filipinos do value time and that Filipino Time can indeed be Filipino On Time. The brand also highlights the importance of watches as an instrument for driving success every day through good and reliable timekeeping, and a wonderful impression.
Ibarra Watches Rizal Series featuring 40mm and 36mm variants in Rose Gold and Silver cases.
The design of the watches renders simple elegance and class with modesty through its clean face – having only the hour and minute hands present along with the bar markers; its cases; and its crocodileembossed leather straps. It uses a Swiss Quartz movement, to assure accuracy and precision in measuring time, housed in the 7mm-thick case. The watches were built using high quality materials to ensure strength and resistance to pressure. They feature a sapphire glass crystal to prevent any form of scratches on the face and a water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters). 5
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Ibarra creates watches that intend to make that great first impression and make them everlasting. With a powerful tool that brings together sophistication and functionality, each timepiece emanates purpose, distinction, and the Filipino.
Celebrity couple Kim Jones and Jericho Rosales, Ibarra Watches owner Nico Moreno, Kat Tejada and Mike Park.
The Rizal Series of the Illustrado Collection is a unisex quartz dress watch series that carries variants in 36mm and 40mm Silver or Rose Gold cases. The Rose Gold variant comes with a brown leather strap while the Silver variant comes with a black leather strap. Ibarra watches are available locally between Php 8,000.00 – Php 10,000 and are available online on the brand’s website and Zalora. The watches can also be seen at Talas Manileño Barbershop located at the Cubao Expo in Cubao, Quezon City.
Ibarra Watches Team: Roi Marcial, Nico Moreno, James Pe Lim, Ria de Jesus, Chris Paraz, Migi Moreno, Angele de Jesus, Edward Lim.
Magic 89.9's Joey Agustin, Bianca Evengelista and TV host Andrei Felix, Prokya ni Edgar drummer Dindin Moreno, and physicist Dr. Joaquin Moreno
UP Maroons Team Captain and Mega Man Style Awards Awardee JR Gallarza with model Kim Ross.
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SHERAZE SPENCER Filipino-American Model/Fitness Buff from New York City, USA Photographed by MARLO CUETO Location: DARANAK FALLS Tanay, Rizal