Red Magazine September 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 www.inquirer.net/red

MARGA VALDES-TRINIDAD No Nonsense Chic

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SEPTEMBER 2013 www.inquirer.net/red

MARGA VALDES-TRINIDAD No Nonsense Chic

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9/11/13 12:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 2013 www.inquirer.net/red

MARGA VALDES-TRINIDAD No Nonsense Chic

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Editor’s Letter GLOBAL PINOY

PHOTOGRAPH BY JO ANN BITAGCOL

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It is easy to feel proud to be Filipino, especially when one is abroad. Filipinos are known mostly for our OFW kababayans in their humble blue-collar jobs (though there is no shame in their modern heroism).

They work hard, love their family, and sustain the country’s economy. Filipinos are making our mark in the world. I am confident in saying that sooner or later, we will become more recognized in the arts and media industries, especially fashion. It has already begun, but it’s still much less than what we deserve. This issue is dedicated to all the Global Pinoys out there. What is a Global Pinoy? It is a Filipino who succeeds not only abroad, but also here in the Philippines—one who has honed his craft well enough to succeed anywhere in the world.

We’re pleased to introduce and showcase Frenchraised Filipino duo Maryse (desiRED, page 8). Their beautiful tribal reverbs are inspired by the nature of their tropical hometown.

We also feature three designers (attiRED, page 16) who are based abroad and are generous enough to share their talents and still put on fashion shows in Manila, to the delight of the local fashion industry. It is admirable how these shows are put on not to sell or compete, but simply to inspire and demonstrate what they love to do, and there is nothing more Filipino than that.

Ria Prieto

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Want to see the other issues of Inquirer RED Magazine? Check out www.inquirer.net/red

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Contents admiRED /12

Marga Valdes-Trinidad No Nonsense Chic

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ON THE COVER: 1 Crystal pearl and satin bow necklace, Bea Valdes; 2 Long-sleeved top,Tory Burch; Tulle and crystal necklace, Bea Valdes; 3 Eel skin vest and metallic chain necklace, Bea Valdes THIS PAGE: Crystal and metallic fringe necklace, Bea Valdes

6 10

art A strong feminine energy fuels artist Nikki Luna

16 22

attiRED Get to know today's Filipino fashion gamechangers

26 30 31

exploRED The first-timer's complete guide to Prague

acquiRED This Filipino-handcrafted shirt deserves all that New York attention

inspiRED How to put skulls in your home and keep it child-friendly

inquiRED How do you remain "Filipino" abroad? empoweRED Gem Misa Harris

Editor-in-chief Art Director Associate Editor Copy Editor

Ria Prieto Nina Muallam Mara Santillan Miano Gabrielle Talan

Contributing writers: Mel Cuevas, Caroline Schmidt, Nicolai Svane Contributing photographers: Jo Ann Bitagcol, Sara Black,

Tammy David, Shaira Luna,

Roy Macam, Caroline Schmidt,

Nicolai Svane, Sonny Thakur Editorial Consultant

Thelma Sioson San Juan

Board Chairperson

Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez

Vice President, Advertising Pepito Olarte Business Development Manager Lou Gonzales Sales and Marketing Manager Cathy Bautista-Pumarega

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PO A S

RT

LIF ING

E!

Greenbelt 3 - Makati - Tel. (632) 757 8910 Hermes.com

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art

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REBELLE L'ARTE Artists have one crucial political purpose, according to Nikki Luna

What is the most important role of the modern woman?

To recognize that there is work to be done in order to continue helping other women who are still oppressed.

You've mentioned that it is feminine energy that inspired your works.

Who are your favorite women in history and why?

The Mirabal sisters, known as Las Mariposas, who were inspirational leaders of the resistance in the days of the Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo: Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa; Amanda Bartolome in Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada '70, a domestic woman juggling social, political, personal stands; her story is based on various factual events and a woman’s

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role during martial law; Artemisia Gentileschi, who endured gender prejudice and sexual violence in an era where female painters weren't accepted. She was refused by an art academy for being a woman, was molested by her teacher and was tortured, but remained strong and fearless.

What for you is the definition of an "artist"?

An artist for me is someone who can help shape society and culture.

The arts trigger emotions by making the viewer assess where they stand regarding an issue. Through art, the voices of those who are not able to speak out can be articulated. As an artist, I feel that I have a social responsibility with the talent I was given. I agree with art critic Robert Hughes: "If art can't tell us about the world we live in, then I don't believe there's much point in having it.” Anyone can be an artist and can be called one, but not everyone will be a good artist, for several reasons. First, not everyone is exposed to the arts; second, not everyone will have experience or training; third, not everyone will have sufficient financial support to sustain their production and lastly, not everyone will be aggressive or committed enough to pursue a career. Being a good artist means your work should resonate with other people, drawing the viewer to your piece. It makes them seek to know it, understand it. It should stay in people's minds. -MSM

PHOTOG R APHY TAMMY DAVI D

How did your feminist character come about?

At home, my dad’s rule is the golden rule, and I [realized I] didn't really want to be in that situation. My mother is content with this life—a true product of her generation, one that thinks women are expected to be homemakers once married. In that typical patriarchal home, my dad was my biggest supporter. He always reminded me to pursue self-enrichment and to be independent. He never liked the idea of my just staying at home when I marry. From these contradicting values, I questioned the woman’s role in society and what kind of woman I wanted to become.

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desiRED

SISTER ACT

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N OOMIZ. C OM/MA RY SE AN D, FA C EBOOK .CO M/ MA RYS EM US I QUE.

"I'm interested by humans—by their energy. There is a tribal and elementary aspect clearly claimed by our music. Some tracks have no lyrics, only onomatopoeia, in order to speak both a universal and primitive language," says Marie-Rose Laurel, half of the Paris-based musical duo, Maryse. Filipinas by birth Marie-Christine and Marie-Rose are twins, whose father, a self-taught musician, clearly influenced them with his forays in piano, guitar, and bass.

Their music is experimental, using classical instruments such as the harp and the violin, but also electronic pedals for voice samples and special effects.

Haunting, ethereal, and otherworldly are just some of the words used to describe their music. They have been likened to Bjork, Philip Glass, and the Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

"Music needs to be shared. For example, feeding yourself is a need, but it becomes a social behavior when you want to share the food. It is the same with music, which is [in itself ] a need and needs to be shared [with others]," says Marie-Christine. Maryse's music is a beautiful paradox. "For sure our music is an invitation to a dreamlike world, an imaginary journey, a heterotopia," adds Marie-Christine.

To add to the dreamlike quality of their world, the duo perform in costume and sometimes with singers from the group formerly known as Our Tribe.

Explains Marie-Rose, "I have created the costume for each member who represents a totem animal: an owl, a wild boar, a wolf, a reindeer, a cat, and a jay. For Marie-Christine's costume and mine, I have used my grandmother lace, the remains of an era."

As an ode to their heritage, some lyrics are in Tagalog. The two have a minimal understanding of the language so their mother translates for them.

"We were born here in France, but we are attracted to the country where our parents were born. We are looking for this heritage, and singing in Tagalog is a way to not forget our roots; it's a kind of tribute," explains Marie Rose.

Marie-Christine puts it, "If I may quote a Filipino treasure I discovered, it would be the album Philippines, femmes artistes du lac Sebu. It really touches me. We step into a real sound excursion; we can hear the river, roosters, and cicadas singing.” For the two, it is natural to reach out to the traditions and culture of their country of birth despite being born and raised in another; a recognition sparked by something within. —GABRIELLE TALAN

PHOTOG R APHY R OMA IN R I VI ER R E. FO R MO R E I NF O R MAT I ON O N M ARY S E , V I S I T M Y S P AC E .C O M / M AR Y S E M US I C,

Paris-based Filipina act Maryse's music combines the heavenly with the unique

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THE RAREST PEARLS IN THE WORLD Choices define an individual, and when it comes to pearls, there is only Jewelmer Joaillerie

The classic pearl earring remains a timeless staple in a world of the rapidly fleeting. In the past, only those of royal pedigree were allowed to wear pearls by law. Today, pearls of ordinary quality are available everywhere for anyone, but the rarest cultured pearls in the world are defined by color, size, shape, luster and surface smoothness—and Jewelmer Joaillerie sets the bar high with only the top three percent of its fabled harvest.

Pair magnificent pearl studs with a power blazer at work for a commanding presence in the boardroom, or with a tailored little black dress for a charming, old-world look. Perfect Match, Perfect Pearl is available at all Jewelmer Joaillerie boutiques until the end of September. •

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acquiRED

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SUIT TO A TEE

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to the talented offspring of prime fashion movers Ricco and Tina Ocampo. Their daughter, a student at the Parsons School of Design, began crafting tees in 2012 for her eponymously named t-shirt line, Betina. These aren't just any tees, but are embellished after various Southeast Asian traditions with mother-of-pearl and metalwork. Accompanying her parents to their business travels to source materials has inspired Betina, giving her that vision and edge so evident in her style. Betina was also inspired by her father who left school at the age of 17 in order to hand paint t-shirts, which grew to be quite a successful venture, and although she hasn't followed suit and left Parsons, she has created a Summer and Fall 2013 line, which is available in the Celestina showroom. Style.com's Marina Larroude praised her work saying, “This is her first collection, but the looks are strong, with heavy attention to detail.” —GABRIELLE TALAN

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PHOTOG R APHY SA R A BL A CK

Betina Ocampo's creations are elegant throwbacks to the casual and relaxed t-shirt

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squaRED

SOMETHING BORROWED SOMETHING NEW Model cum photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol shares her current objects of inspiration

“Skulls have been fascinating me lately, but I still am to discover why. I love the skull book cover of McQueen. I got the Jose Rizal skull piece from the Salcedo Art Fair and the skull figure from French gift shop Pylones. The portrait isn't mine. Photographer Jake Verzosa asked me to keep it for the meantime while he finds space. It's one of his most acclaimed photographs of the last few tattooed women of Kalinga. I'm especially intrigued by her androgynous coolness—that dapper pose—but the eyes tell the viewer a different story.”

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admiRED

VITAL FORCE How Marga Valdes-Trinidad balances career and family, while making the Bea Valdes brand an even bigger success abroad

Along with how a handbag can cost over USD$2,000, and why some people are trying to bring back the ’80s practically every season, one of the greatest mysteries in the fashion business is what a fashion PR actually does. Few doubt their importance—a good PR person can boost a designer’s career to international recognition in an instant.

A PR and marketing person to a designer is what a builder is to a project manager or architect. The designer creates, but it’s the PR and marketing person who helps make the product sell.

In the case of Marga Valdes-Trinidad, who heads global marketing, sales, and public relations for Bea Valdes, her older sibling’s name already rings a bell. Bea is a renowned designer whose pieces have been featured in local and international magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Town&Country, British Vogue, Financial Times’ How To Spend It, among others; her designs are worn by stylish celebrities such as Fergie, Sharon Stone, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Yet, without a great partner to handle the business side of things, it will be difficult to manage the brand Bea Valdes with its growing and diverse clientele.

While Bea oversees a team of 40 workers, it is her younger sister Marga who has been very active in continuing to bring the brand to the international fashion forefront and finding partners, both locally and internationally, that will help grow and redefine their brand.

Having lived in London and Paris for eight years, taking up her Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and Economics, and working at UNESCO and the House of the Lords, moving to fashion a few years ago was a big career shift. While Marga admits she had no prior experience in PR prior to joining the family business, she thinks it worked to their advantage. “It was an advantage at some point, because I wasn’t tainted with the traditional PR approach. We were advised to move our business to New York and hire an international PR agent, none of which we considered. But this allowed us to focus on the brand and the products,” says Marga. While living abroad was an interesting experience, learning and working with people from diverse cultures, one thing she was able to take home from her experience was that it never occurred to her that what other brands were doing abroad couldn’t be done from Manila. “I knew it would be more of a hassle, but I was confident it could be done,” says Marga. She shares that it was difficult to initiate contact with the media in the beginning, but fortunately, she was able to cultivate personal relationships with international media contacts and editors, who approach them to feature Bea’s designs.

Indeed, Marga is very enthusiastic in her role in the family business. She handles Bea’s product samples and helps manage the press. She also coordinates sales orders and design requests from various markets abroad and ensures that shipments are delivered on time and what’s been agreed upon. “Bea handles the design aspect of the piece. I send them off and track their movement around the world,” says Marga. Currently, their strongest market is online, on sites such asgiftlab.com, lamaisoncouture.com, and couturelab.com. And unlike other fashionistas who buy items “of the moment,” Marga compares their loyal buyers to art or couture collectors. “It’s not about what’s trendy, they buy whenever Bea has new pieces. They have the outmost respect for our craft,” adds Marga.

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Crystal pearl and satin bow necklace, Bea Valdes

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Eel skin vest and metallic chain necklace, Bea Valdes

BY MELA N I E C UEVA S ST YLI N G R I A PR I ETO PHOTOG R A PHY R OY MA C A M MA KEUP MAYESA D ELOS SA N TOS HAI R R EN EN BA UT I STA F O R TOKYO POSH

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Long-sleeved top, Tory Burch, Greenbelt 5; Tulle and crystal necklace, Bea Valdes

While it could sometimes be challenging to work in a family business setting, Marga says the opposite about working with her sister. “We’re always together side by side, yet we still call each other when we get home. I can’t even recall a time when we fought because we understand each other very well. I’m there to give my opinion on the products, and give Bea the support she needs,” she adds.

With her keen eye and sense of style, what of getting into designing herself? It has yet to cross her mind, she says, but aside from work, what keeps her preoccupied of late is her 1-year-old son with husband TJ Trinidad, Alonso, and another baby on the way (at the time of this shoot, she is on her second trimester). “Having a child was a very humbling experience. I thought I would be a natural at it since I like kids and animals, but I can say it’s harder than taking a master’s degree! I was lucky to have Bea to help me out—we gave birth around the same time (Bea’s second at that time),” says Marga.

With Alonso and a baby girl on the way, Marga attests that a lot has changed since she got married in 2011. For her, adjusting to work was a lot easier than adjusting to the changes in lifestyle after the baby. “For work, it was only a matter of time until I got back into the groove of things. With Alonso and another baby on the way, I must admit I have less time for myself, but I still go to work as usual. I notice I get tired easily at times, but I felt I needed the work. What surprised me was TJ—it was like meeting two new amazing men when I gave birth. He took on a lot so I was able to take care of myself. That’s one advice I can give to new moms, to get support however you can, and to ask for help when you need it. Because if you’re not alright, you won’t be able to take care of other people,” says Marga.

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attiRED

GLOBAL PINOY A rundown of RED Magazine’s favorite Filipino couturiers shaking up the international fashion scene

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FURNE ONE The bright spark behind Amato Haute Couture saw an overwhelming demand from an elite clientele, whose Persian ancestry were most likely enamored with Furne’s extravagantly intricate aesthetic. His labor of love remains truly Filipino; much hard work is manifested in hand-stitched details and complex combinations of material. With colors as vivid as the desert sun and the sand dunes, Furne One’s garments are perfectly suited to the patrons of a similar culture of luxurious tradition and folklore.

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MICHAEL CINCO In a world that is beginning to revolve around what is “larger than life,” Samar-born, London-educated Michael Cinco bloomed at just the right time. If there is one thing about the Michael Cinco woman, it is that she is moneyed—a whimsical and beautiful sight in all that finery. With constant impressions of quality tulle, embroidery, precious stones, tiaras, seemingly endless trains and gargantuan silhouettes, his shows appear to be sending one message: “I dress Middle Eastern nobility.”

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LESLEY MOBO The crazy and creative mind is full of surprises, and Lesley Mobo fulfi lled that assumption when he turned down an invitation to learn from John Galliano. Sacrificing wearability for fashionforward innovation, Mobo’s clothes seem to care less for selling than for showcasing his worldly imagination. No one’s complaining. He is a fresh, vibrant Asian energy illuminating the British fashion industry.

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inspiRED

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Art and music are what the couple is all about. The husband's guitar collection goes perfectly with the wife's paintings.

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ROCK WHITE ROLL BLACK This young couple opens the doors to their home and their enviable lifestyle of rock, love, and roll.

BY GA B R I E L L E R . TAL AN P H OTO GR AP HY S O N N Y T HAK UR

The starkness of black and white as a recurring theme throughout a house can hardly be thought of as welcoming or homey, or so some may believe. What if this writer were to tell you that there exists such a place wherein a black and white theme transforms a house into a "real" home?

The couple inspired by Coco Chanel's countryside residence in the movie Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, have such a home: stylish, done up in black and white, and with a whole lot of love and rock n' roll thrown in for good measure.

The artist and photographer pair has combined their aesthetics and put together a visually appealing dwelling that prioritizes, above all, their little family. "Rock and Kato (the couple's adorable sons) are the biggest part of our lives, and that shows in our home... as soon as you enter, it's the children's play space," she says.

The 70s-style bungalow, perfect as a safe playground for young children, is filled with pockets of open, airy space. The floor is made of polished natural wood and the walls and decor are in black and white with the exception of the children's toys and books—bright splashes of color that go a long way in terms of entertainment for little hands.

Despite the fact that the color scheme is very basic, the couple's choice of decor lends an air of sophistication, drama, and a wee bit of irreverence. A beautiful black chandelier lights up the dining room while a dress mannequin with an elaborate neckpiece stands sentinel. Fornasetti plates act as wall decor while atop coffee table books sits an ebony skull, grinning at visitors.

Speaking of visitors, the couple loves to entertain, and their lanai, which doubles as their living area, garden, and pool serve them well. The couple is all about fun. For instance, she threw him a Mustache Bash in honor of his birthday this year. The couple had DJs and friends over, and the party lasted over 11 hours. Pregnant at the time with Kato, she was blissfully dancing barefoot on the grass. The couple's extraordinary attention to detail was very evident in the decor: "The white gate was decorated with black shades and a mustache, and when you rang the doorbell he opened the door with shades and a mustache—it was trippy," she laughs.

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TOP TO BOTTOM: A black chandelier and black block letters add elegance and whimsy to the living room; an armchair and a cheeky robot pillow beckon invitingly; Alice's words to live by stand, in white block letters, on a black cupboard. Note the dried bouquet on top.

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TOP TO BOTTOM: The kids come first. Their adorable room is done up in bright yellow and green; the play area is bordered by starred circus blocks, remnants from one of their children's parties.

LEFT TO RIGHT: A Dali-inspired clock; delightful mementos and curios pepper the entire living space; black angel wing teacups—yet another tribute to whimsy and fun

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FO R MO R E I N F O R MATI ON , VI SI T C U RI OUS SET TI N G .C OM

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In terms of art, her beautiful works cover the wall of the lanai along with his photographs. The latter is a collection of personal works, framed prints, treasured mementos, and edgy postcards. Wordplay is the order of the day with black block letters spelling out "Rock & Roll" in the dining room and "I love you" in French ("je t'aime") scribbled in the master's bedroom. In the dining room, hang portraits he shot of Terry Gilliam (of Monty Python fame). The house is peppered with family portraits and family heirlooms, including a gorgeous white mirror and French antique crystal pewter chandeliers and furniture by Ron Arad and Alessandro Mendini, testament to the couple's distinctive taste.

But what truly stands out about the couple’s home is the importance of family that emanates from every corner. The couple designed their home in such a way that family would always come first from foregoing a living room so that they could have a family play space to placing their bed on the floor, where the kids could tumble in at any given time. The couple chose not to have a nanny so they could be hands on with their children's upbringing, and this desire is what influences the flow and space of their home. "The home is very much Rock's and Kato's, as it is my husband’s and mine. It is a space that is cozy and playful for all of us in different ways," she says. If love had a color scheme, it would be black and white.

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exploRED

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PRAGUE IN THE SUN Everything you need to know about the Rome of the North W O R DS A N D P HOTO G RAP HY C ARO L I N E B AC L I G S C HM I D T AN D N I C O L AI S VAN E HA N SEN

This popular city has been given many names: "Mother of Cities,” "City of a Hundred Spires,” “Magic City,” and the “Heart of Europe.” If you have seen Prague in all its glory, you will understand why poets and other historic celebrities called her the Golden City. She shines like a golden gem, having survived two world wars and 44 years of communism.

Every street is a walk down architectural memory lane, with buildings side by side, like pearls on a string, ranging from Romanesque to Art Nouveau. You probably will not be shopping much, since you’ll be too busy looking at murals, statuettes or spires, trying to decipher what style the different buildings are. If you do need a pasalubong for your dear ones at home however, there is a cute little souvenir market in Havelska Street, where they sell everything from Krtek, the little mole from the Czech cartoon, to fur hats.

One thing is certain about your trip in Old Bohemia: you will need comfy shoes and extra batteries for your camera.

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FROM LEFT: This astronomical clock is 603 years old. The hourly clockwork show of figures of moving sculptures of the Apostles is called The Walk of the Apostles; The Golden City with the Charles Bridge as the centerpiece between Old Town and Lesser Town A young artist shows off his talent in the courtyard at Kampa Museum; St. Vitus Cathedral, the biggest and most important church in the country; Enjoy the fresh air while admiring a beautiful view of the city.

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What to see: Prague Castle Fringing 70,000 cubic meters, the Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, founded around 880 by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. Here you will find the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, one of Eastern Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture.

And while you’re in the area you will see the Golden Lane, a small street with “matchbox houses," formerly occupied by goldsmiths, hence its name.

Old Town, Staré Mĕsto The famous astronomical clock can be found in the Old Town Square in Prague. When you take a late night walk, the atmosphere is mystical and transports you back in the time of Franz Kafka, who could have been standing there in the sheen of the street lantern contemplating life or simply adjusting his watch. For those with strong nerves, McGee’s Ghost Tours of Prague is a treat.

Charles Bridge Founded in 1357 by the Holy Roman Emperor King Charles IV, this bridge is considered to be one of the most astonishing gothic installations in the world, making it Prague’s top tourist attraction. To enjoy the view of the 30 statuettes on the bridge, go early in the

morning or late at night, so you don’t have to struggle through the crowds. If you’re visiting Prague on your honeymoon, take a walk under the bridge, where many lovers have eternalized their love with a padlock.

Art in Prague For the art lovers, time may be well spent in the company of giant Barcode Babies and Bronze Babies at Kampa Museum, and the Lennon Wall in Kampa Park.

House of the Black Madonna If it is a chilly day, visit Grand Café Orient for a Czech Grog or hot punch, which will heat you up and energize you for some more adventures. In case of rain, you can always seek cover in the Museum Kubista. Keep an eye out for the Black Madonna, because after all, it is her house.

Opera The suitable entertainment for an evening out in the “Rome of the North” would be an opera. Dress up and step into the Prague National Theatre, Theatre of the Estates or Prague State Opera.

Petrin Hill If you visit Prague in the spring, Petrin Hill is a must because of its blossoming cherry trees. Take the cable

car to the top for a different view of this beautiful city and for a romantic stroll in the rose garden, where there is a small version of the Eiffel Tower.

Where to eat: If you need to catch your breath, go straight to the nearest tavern or restaurant and have a local dark draft beer, which are some of the best beer in the world. It only gets better with roast duck, dumplings and red cabbage. A must-try is U Fleků, the oldest brewery in town.

The list of restaurants in Prague is long and you would wish there were more hours in a day. If you’re vegetarian or just want a break from the very meaty Czech dishes, you can check out two excellent vegetarian restaurants: Lehka Hlava (that means “clear head”) and Maitrea. They offer contemporary vegetarian dishes in unique and artistic surroundings.

Where to sleep: If you’re looking for a new experience in accommodation, you might want to look into Prague’s variety of botels. These riverboats have been converted into cozy yet stylish floating hotels. An example is Boat Hotel Matylda. You will get to see the primest locations and enjoy the Vltava River up close.

Czech woodwork is legendary, but keep an eye out for cheap knock-offs; Locked up love at the love bridge in Mala Strana; Explore Prague by night, and view Old Town square in the daylight

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inquiRED

HOW DO YOU REMAIN “FILIPINO” ABROAD? “I always maintain strong ties with Filipino friends, both in person and through social media. I’m updated on what’s new in the scene like new hotspots and beach destinations. There’s just so much new energy back home! I attend Philippine events wherever I am, the last being the impressive Philippine exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly. I also always long for the food; being able to eat our dishes wherever I am keeps me happily planted in my roots." -PIA MIRANDA, NEW YORK

“I think there are many levels to being Filipino.

There's the reading-Chuvaness-trollingFacebook-for-chismis level, then there's the keeping-up-with-current-events-andgetting-frustrated-about-it level and then there's succumbing occasionally to Pinoy food cravings. What I like most is our sense of humor, about anything and everything, no matter how sad and dark. We’re always able to find something funny, even if it's inappropriately so, in a situation. There is a readiness to smile or burst into laughter, to offer comfort or to give cheer."

-NICOLE ACUÑA, FLORENCE

“This leads to the question, ‘what is it like to be Filipino?'” For me, it is to love large family gatherings, to offer great hospitality, to laugh often despite trying times, and to find humor in everything. I kept those habits with me, even in France. French people tend to grumble constantly even if their quality of life here is very high. I end up showing them that there's something to laugh about, even in the dead of winter, even in the midst of crisis; that really is the Filipino in me. "

"Living in New York for 13 years made me strengthen my being a Filipino. It was my family that kept me humble in this fastpaced city: my mother and my sisters remind me to keep my feet on the ground.

As a stylist for E! News, I help bring in Filipino talents by using their creations and promote them to the global community. I've used pieces from designers back home: Francis Libiran, Amina Aranaz, Celestina, Betina Ocampo. I’ve always believed in the talent of our countrymen when it comes to fashion. Every time I go to work, I keep this mantra in mind: "If you don't look back to where you came from, you will never reach your destiny of success." At the end of the day, your job doesn't define you." —PJ PASCUAL, NEW YORK

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“We always have Filipino food on the table: adobo, smoked talong, sinigang na salmon and nilaga, which all of us are crazy about. Social media helps ensure that I'm in touch with everything going on in Manila with family, friends and general “cheeze-mis," and Skype and FaceTime lessen the geographical distance. I miss our beautiful islands though, but get my fill when I visit Manila!”

CARLA CABALFIN-LENGELLÉ, PARIS

C OMPI LE D BY R I A PRI ETO

–ANGELIQUE VILLARAZA, PARIS

9/11/13 12:33 PM

"A young me clowning around with my dad, Lito."

MY ROOTS

"Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop, has a business book Business Unusual that talks about creating a business that can change the world for the better."

"In anything, I try to attain a balance between effort and ease."

FAVORITES

empoweRED

RAW YET FINE

London-based entrepreneur Gem Misa Harris' healthy offerings are as enriching as her vibrant personality

TRAVELS

"When it comes to music, it’s always old-time favorites that I love best, like The Cure."

"Working on new food ideas for the business."

C OMPI LE D BY G A BR I ELLE TA L AN

"My 3-year-old daughter, Harper."

PASSION

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FAMILY

"At Browns Hotel with Jamie, his brother Guy and wife Genevieve in 2009."

Scrumptious and healthy oil and dressings from my food company, Righteous

9/11/13 12:34 PM

©2012-2013 Harry Winston, Inc. Harry WinstonTM. Love MadlyTM.

MANILA G/F GREENBELT 5 63 917 587 4037

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9/11/13 12:34 PM