MANILA UP INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE VOL 4 #3

ACCS HOLLYWOOD CHINA NIGHT GALA

Sue Wong’S Collections Miss Supranational Valeria Vazquez 2018 in Bangkok

Bichlien Nguyen JOE KELLY 2018 World Series Champion International Vietnamese Film Festival

“Actress Wanted”

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

April fool’s day played a joke that proved way too much for us at Manila Up! International Magazine.

We were caught unaware with bumps and hiccups along the way while putting the double issue together. Anyone caught with a total meltdown should know what it’s like to have the computer crash deleting ALL files we laboriously put together.

Still, starting from scratch, aside from being a tedious task was a matter of utilizing every bit of precious time to recreate what was lost.

On the brighter side. We are proud to have Mrs. Asia International 2019 grace our cover. She, who is possessed with such regal beauty befitting the title of a Queen. Each gown she wore had a fairy tale behind it. A story contained within them mesmerizing on its own.

We introduce new writers from Hollywood Robert Wormack and Marie Antoinette Ceniza aka Fides Caritas as well as New York based, seasoned photographer Sylvia Zamora, whose outstanding works in the field and advertising are well renowned.

Lest I lead you on further with growing excitement, allow me to invite you to savor the richness contained within our pages. Ciao bella!

Sonia

SONIA DIONELA BERMEJO Publisher

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INSIDE Volume 4 #3

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BICHLIEN NGUYEN

Over many years, she was a software Manager leading technical software engineering teams in big high-tech companies located across the US. Presently, she is a Senior Program Manager leading large contracts across multiple companies, organizations, and doing business with domestic, as well as, international customers around the world.

28 2018 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION RED SOX: PITCHER JOE KELLY

Before Joe was a World Series Champion, he sharpened his teeth on the sandlots of Corona’s youth leagues. He toured with prominent travel ball teams where he gained exposure to college scouts, eventually landing him a scholarship to play at the University of California, Riverside

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KALIMAYA LEGEND

A senior in her ‘70’s, she is a proponent of the senior fitness movement. An amazing role model for us, she is a pride of Maui and held in high esteem and respected for her contributions to both the Filipino and local communities.

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MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2018 VALERIA VAZQUEZ

As Puerto Rico’s first ever winner of Miss Supranational, she shared with us her excitement as she officially embarks on her #SupraJourney beginning her Asian tour here in Bangkok, Thailand.

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SONIA DIONELA BERMEJO Publisher/Executive Editor

EDITOR EDITH Y. PENDLETON

MARKETING DIRECTOR RUDY MUNOZ STILES

ART DIRECTOR BRYAN AREVALO

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MONTE CARLO Monaco: Fashion, Style & Travel ANGELINA KALI KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Sugar Queen SAMANTHA GOH BAYERN, GERMANY Secrets of Success SILVIJA POPOVIC

UK na UK ELA HIDALGO

Mental Wellness JANIE LACY

Island Living RANDY ANTONIO

BANGKOK, THAILAND Siam Living MARICEL DIAZ

LOS ANGELES From Hollywood to Asia ROBERT D. WOMACK

Correspondent/TV Host/Columnist

UNITED STATES: NEW YORK

Soaring High with Fides MARIE ANTOINETTE CENIZA

Street Photography SYLVIA ZAMORA

Glass Half Fil NAIIA LAJOIE

VANCOUVER, CANADA The Disruptors, The Audacity of Truth KAT SCHULTE

Coffee Break with J JEANETTE MARCO

PHILIPPINES: MANILA

On Call ROMULO AROMIN, JR. MD

In Other Worlds BECKY GARCIA

Pulsong Gotham GKN CASTELLANES

Walk my Way MAYENNE CARMONA Party People AGILE ZAMORA Metro Scene JOY FONG

LAS VEGAS Vegas Vibes ESMERALDA PADILLA-GOULD

Proverbs 31 Woman JHOANNA DE GUZMAN UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON Kingdom Adventures GILDA PINEDA DIONELA

FLORIDA Life’s Journey MELODY GARCIA

Social Media Photographer / Videographer Celia Abuel “PaparazzCel” In-House Makeup Artist

Inspirational Living RACHELLE CASILLAS

Mary Ann “Muah” Cidro

Talk This Way TIM PARK

Jophel Huffman Joe Garcia Auspicio Yan Phillip Ner Ramie Dador Jon Bermejo Rajesh Shah Arnold Capati Marc Pacheco Ken Hugh Tony Garcia

Dine Travel in Style GRACE AGUILAR

Special Section: New York & New Jersey Joy in Tiny Jaunts JANICE LINGAD-THABET

Grace Aguilar

Beautiful Life MONET LU On the Beat FE KOONS Immigration Professor’s Corner ROBERT PERKINS, ESQ HAWAII Maui Mania EDITH PENDLETON

Photographers

Website Designer Allan Mark Paanio

MANILA UP! MAGAZINE

3756 W. Avenue 40 #160, Los Angeles, CA 90065 USA Email: manilaup@gmail.com Website: www.manilaupmagazine.com Follow us: FB, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Issuu

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Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

ISBN 231-256-2-16

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EDITORS’ NOTE

Maui Mania selected a legend in our own times. Kalimaya is a senior in her 70’s who can do splits in seconds! She can kick higher than her height so it comes as no surprise that she has been an active proponent promoting Senior fitness. She has also taken the youth under her tutelage by teaching them self defense skills to ward off bullying and develop life skills in the process. An amazing role model an artist in many ways she is held in high esteem.

Respected for her contributions to both the Filipino and other communities in the isle.

Another first who made it to our pages is Valeria Vazquez from Puerto Rico. She is the first from there to win a Supranational crown. She shares her excitement as she embarks on her SupraJourney from Asia.

Red Sox 2018 World series champion pitcher Joe Kelly infuses power in our pages. The sand lots of Corona’s youth leagues sharpened this world series champion. He toured with prominent travel ball teams gaining exposure to college scouts and eventually landed a scholarship to play at the University of California, Riverside.

Our featured cover girl, Bichlien Nguyen is showcasing women’s empowerment in many fields of endeavor which were exclusive domains of men. Over the years she was a Software Manager leading technical software engineering teams in large high-tech companies across the USA. Currently, she is Senior Program Manager handling huge contracts across multiple companies, organizations and doing business with domestic as well as international clients. Her rise to the top is a feat in itself.

An opening for an actress was the road traveled by this Vietnamese-American girl, Isabelle Du. Success was the reward. Despite early disappointments she rallied through her way to master the language and only looks back at the time she was only 6 years old when she was stunned by a fellow Vietnamese-American. Her story will astound you.

Looking at the future through his designs, Kenneth Barlis surprised even himself when it was pointed out his Green ballroom gown for TV show host and fashion stylist Jeannie Mai during the 76th Golden Globe Awards landed on the Best Dressed list of the Los Angeles Times! He was there. He has arrived among the Who’s Who in fashion.

Edith Edith Y. Pendleton Editor

Follow us on: www.actvus.com / Las Vegas ch 30.6 12:00-12:30 Saturdays/ACTV-05 apps for worldwide / www.kxla.com /Los Angeles ch 44, 19, 34 (check listings Spectrum/Dish/ DirectTV Website: http://mutv.manilaupmagazine FB: Manila Up TV – mutv Entertainment

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THE WORLD’S BEST JUDGE

KOBI ROZENFELD Kobi Rozenfeld’s professional reputation and heightened demand in the dance industry has led him to work with some of the best entertainers and most notable celebrities in Hollywood such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Natasha Bedingfield, and Macy Gray.

His most recent choreography credits include this summer’s national commercial featuring the new “Wonder Woman” - Gal Gadot. Also, last spring, Kobi was responsible for the choreography of the reunion of 90‘s Boy Band “Hi Five” in Israel. Kobi’s credentials also include directing and choreographing the world tour of “Barbie Live”- The Musical, produced by “Mattel “ and EMS. In addition, Kobi has choreographed for the British singer and songwriter, Natasha Bedingfield, at the “LifeBall” concert in Vienna and Macy Gray with her hit “Beauty in the World”.

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Topping this list, is Kobi’s work with Britney Spears during her 2009 comeback and choreography for the incredible pop sensation, Beyonce, in her 2009-2010 I Am... World Tour.

Kobi also choreographed for Israel’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and for the musical show in California’s Legoland Amusement Park. In January of 2010, he performed alongside Beyonce as one of the dancers at the Grammy Awards.

Kobi was born in Israel and has been dancing and choreographing from a very early age. His early credits include performances in the successful productions of Fun Tazi, Cabaret, and Peter Pan. Kobi worked with and choreographed for some of the top Israeli Pop Artists in their music videos as well as national and international tours. He choreographed for “The Little Mermaid” national tour and won numerous choreography awards. In summer 2006, Kobi began working with Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble upon his arrival in the United States. He choreographed new pieces for the

company and gained great critical acclaim through the group’s performances at the Disney Concert Hall, Paramount Studios, The Kodak Theatre, and for a special on PBS. L.A.’s top working dancers presented Kobi’s choreographic work at the prestigious “Carnival – Choreographer’s Ball” in Hollywood. As a choreographer, Kobi is represented by Go2Talent one of the top choreography and dance agencies in the industry. Kobi travels the world as a freelance choreographer. He has taught master classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York and has instructed workshops in Guam, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, France, Slovakia, Spain, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom. Kobi is passionate about sharing his love for dance with all those he comes into contact with, motivating and inspiring his students, and leaving them with a thirst for more! n

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THE WORLD’S BEST JUDGE

THAI NGUYEN

Fashion designer and creative director Thai Nguyen launched his eponymous label in 2002.

He continues to be a key figure in the industry as he remains as one of the few Vietnamese American designers in the fashion world today.

Thai was born and raised in South Vietnam where his first foray into fashion began at a young age. He learned to sew when he was 9 years old and quickly honed his love for fashion. In 1993, Thai and his family immigrated to the United States. Despite his parents’ worries about the demands of the fashion world, Thai continued to pursue his dreams.

Thai graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2002. He joined BCBG Max Azria as an associate designer straight out of FIDM. After two years there, he yearned for creative freedom and left to start his own line. His label quickly evolved into the brand’s feminine yet modern styling with a

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keen eye to exquisite detailing by which is he is known for today.

Since then, Thai’s designs have been featured in fashion’s top publications and graced the red carpets including the Met Gala, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards, and countless movie and television premieres. Thai’s dresses have appeared in Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, and New Beauty. Clients such as Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Cindy Crawford, Alison Brie, Lala Anthony, Leona Lewis, Kristen Bell, Kelly Marie Tran, Juliette Lewis, Katharine McPhee, Nicole Scherzinger, Laverne Cox, LaisRiberiro, and Jasmine Tookes along with countless others have all reveled in Thai’s custom designs.

Thai now produces both custom womenswear, Thai Nguyen Atelier and menswear, TNA Homme collections for clients in the US and abroad, in addition to a ready to wear line – T’aime – for women. Current projects for Thai

include representing Vietnam as one of 50 international judges on the World’s Best (airing on CBS in Spring 2019), a weekly style recap on his show on DirecTV, and a fashion podcast.

Thai lives and works in Orange County. He and his business partner, Helen Nguyen, established the Thai Nguyen Couture Atelier together from its early beginnings. In 2018, they added another partner, Hanh Le, who has helped spearhead the T’aime line.

Together, Thai, Helen, and Hanh invites you to experience Thai Nguyen Atelier through its personal couture consultations. n

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THE WORLD’S BEST JUDGE

GALABINA KAMENOVA Galabina Kamenova is a former Cirque du Soleil artist, 6 times national gymnastics champion of Bulgaria, European Bronze medalist, and holder of a black belt in judo from Osaka, Japan. She is also one of the world experts on the new global talent competition show on CBS called “The World’s Best”.

Galabina owns an LA-based company for corporate wellness and private personal training. The company provides on-site fitness and yoga classes to big and small organizations, as well as private personal training at various locations. She personally trains a long list of high-end clientele and gives classes on fitness and healthy living. n

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COVER STORY

By Naiia Lajoie

BICHLIEN NGUYEN Bichlien Nguyen hails from Hue city in central Vietnam, the nation’s former capital during the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1975, she and her family moved to Saigon, only to flee Southern Vietnam thereafter amidst the country’s hardships. Having such a regal namesake coupled with a tumultuous escape almost serves as an auspicious omen for the lofty goals she would ultimately achieve and expectations she would come to surpass.

During her time in Vietnam Bichlien studied Vietnamese literature while attending Saigon University. After landing in America she continued her education, graduating from UC Davis with a Bachelor Degree’s in Computer Science.

Over the years she worked her way to the position of software manager, leading software engineering teams in large-scale high-tech companies across the United States. Today she is a Senior Program Manager, drafting large contracts across multiple companies & organizations and leading business deals with costumers both domestically and around the world.

Despite being in such a high-octane work environment, Bichlien lives to serve the

community; she helps those who are sick and/or in need. She donates in order to help provide food and education to orphans, as well as housing to the less fortunate back in her mother country of Vietnam. Whenever she can she participates in community events, supports various charities, and is perpetually involved in fundraising programs.

When she is not volunteer-emceeing during many of the Bay Area’s Vietnamese community events, she gives her time as a fashion model to multiple Vietnamese Ao Dai designers. She graces the catwalk in order to raise funds for the many aforementioned causes she believes in. Also a singer, she shares her talent with the community, furthering awareness for certain non-profits that align with her own platform.

These actions lead to Bichlien becoming very well known in Northern California’s Vietnamese community. Her many accolades include being the first Vietnamese television newscaster for San Jose’s channel 48, as well as being on-air on Trung Duong Television. Her passions include art and literature, harkening back to her Saigon degree days. She selects non-profit organizations to volunteer for which preserve and cultivate Asian art & culture.

During the Ao Dai Festival in May of 2018, the

US’ largest Vietnamese arts & culture nonprofit organization named Bichlien the “Mother Au Co” (Mother of Vietnam).

Bichlien‘s hard work – from her humble beginnings abroad, to her climb in corporate America, and her gracious nature – did not go unnoticed. In March of 2018 she was crowed Mrs. Vietnam California, and later went on to capture the Mrs. Asia USA International title in November of the same year. In retaining her humility throughout her activism in the Vietnamese community and support of multiple charitable programs, she has provided a shining example to all Vietnamese-American women.

All of this illustrates that Bichlien truly is more than just a foreign beauty. She maintains her role as a good wife, takes pride in being a good mother, and is simply a good person. It is within her inherent nature to want to better society. By participating in the Mrs. Asia USA competition she brought to light the value of Vietnamese tradition, contributing its art & culture to the 30th anniversary of the pageant, put on by Virgelia Productions. Moving forward she only hopes to continue her journey in exuding love and passion, by continuously serving humanity in any capacity she can. n

Bichlien was the model wearing the Vietnamese Queen costume.

She played the role of the last queen in Viet Nam “ Nam Phuong Hoang Hau” .

Picture was taken at the fund raising event at Blackhawk Museum in Blackhawk CA to raise fund to support the orphan kids in Hue City, and to provide wheel chairs for disable people in Viet Nam. Photographer: Long huynh Make Up Artist: Phi Ngoc Nguyen

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

Photo by: Huy Khiem Photography Makeup Artist: Tam Vo Designer: Tadashi Shoji

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COVER STORY lDesigner: Jovani Photographer: Hai Tran Makeup Artist: Johnathan Nguyen

Bichlien was crowned Mrs. Asia USA International on November, 17, 2018, Photographer: Long Huynh Makeup Artist: Tam Nguyen

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COVER STORY Photographed by Leon Saspertien, Mrs. Asia USA International Bichlien Nguyen is pictured here wearing one of the works from San Francisco-based fashion designer and creative artist Tuan Tran’s Summer Collection. The Ao Dai is comprised of handpainted silk and represents Vietnam’s summer season.

It is artistically-dotted with royal Poinciana embroidery; a tropical flower that only blossoms during the summer in Vietnam. Tran’s work is exclusively one of a kind; each piece is customdesigned to fit the occasion and environment. For example, this Ao Dai was designed specifically for a performance wherein Bichlien sings a love song. Tran has been featured at many fashion shows, locally in San Francisco and internationally.

Photo Credits: Leon Saspertien & Kin Vong

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COVER STORY

Mrs Asia USA International Bichlien Nguyen is looking majestic in Vietnam’s top fashion designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam’s “Me Au Co” Collection. Crafted in French velvet and accentuated with exotic designs, this green gown is covered in lotus flowers, representing pure spirit, elegant beauty, and royalty. The yellow floral accents on both the headpiece & dress incorporate pure 24 karat gold, and around the collar of this exquisite piece are jade & precious green gemstones. Nam was voted as the 2017 Ao Dai Designer of the Year, and has been one of the international designers to open both the New York Couture Fashion Week in 2017, and the Paris Fashion Week in 2018.

This dress was created to be worn by the recipient of the “Mother Au Co” honor, which Bichlien received in May 2018 during the Ao Dai Festival, puton by the biggest Vietnamese arts & culture nonprofit organization in the US. While wearing it she embodies the Vietnamese legend “Me Âu Cơ”, the mother of Vietnamese civilization. It is valued at $40,000 USD. Photo Credits: Andreas Zhou and Kin Vong

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SANCTUARY FASHION WEEK

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SANCTUARY FASHION WEEK

Bobby Love in Bobby Love Couture

Model Alejandra Espinosa by Glaudi wedding collections photo by Joe Garcia

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Wedding gown by Glaudi

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Welcomes MARY ANTOINETTE “FIDES” NUEVA CENIZA ACCOUNTANT MODEL/FILMMAKER PHOTOJOURNALIST/PR DIRECTOR

circling in the world of Finance, Fashion, Media, and Entertainment locally and abroad. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Major in Accounting and Minor in Business Administration from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. It is one of the oldest and more prestigious universities in the world. While she worked as an Accountant for many years in the Philippines and Southern California, she was also designated tasks and roles that required creativity as well as good public and media relations through the years as follows:

MARY ANTOINETTE NUEVA CENIZA is “Fides Spes Caritas” (Latin for FAITH HOPE CHARITY/LOVE ) in Facebook because she aims to embody these virtues and hope to share with everyone she comes in contact with. She has the heart to make a difference and she strongly believes in being able to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds through various art media. According to her, “Art has the power to change the world.” This is the reason why it is perfect for Mary Antoinette to be the Public Relations Director of Manila Up! International Magazine. We aim to connect everyone with their cultures, most significantly through the arts. She is naturally creative, a person of integrity, and, is a “people person”.

She can wear many different hats as she has a very outgoing personality, variety of interests, a widely extensive background and connections due in part to her love of travel. She is constantly

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*Information Officer and Special Guest Relations Offices_ Philippine Sports Commission, *Appointed Ombudswoman for US Coast Guard_Omega Station, Kaneohe, Hawaii *PhotoJournalist/Videographer for Spanish Chess Magazine, Peon de Rey_ Europe. She continues to use her passion for creativity by accepting contractual assignments and involving herself in endeavors for noble causes among which are the following: *Regular Volunteer (Distribution/Photo/Video) -The Giving Spirit (Charity for the Homeless) LA *PhotoJournalist, PR, Marketing for BASK International Europe and Southern California *Fashion Runway/Print Model, Stylist, Flamenco Dancer for International Eco-Couture John Ablaza and other Designers in Hollywood, San Francisco, New York and Toronto. *Print/ Runway Model, TV /Movie Film Actress for Various Outfits in OC,LA and Europe .

“Fides” as some friends call her is also currently working on a personal project based on a real life story of her father RET 1ST LT. NESTOR B CENIZA, a 96 year old World War II PC and USAFFE Veteran who was awarded a US Congressional Gold award. Lolo Nestor is a great father and husband who happened to be dubbed as the “animal whisperer” in real life, a Dr. Doolittle. Fides is collaborating in many capacities as noted below with filmmaker friend Janice Villarosa and hopefully with many other

friends the likes of which include seasoned CBS cameraman Bob Goldsboro, Hollywood Musician/Filmmaker/Director Basil Moore and Marvel movies Concept Artist Christian Cordella.

She hopes to produce inspirational and quality made films of other other genres in the future. *Author and Actress/Writer/Director/Producer (Personal Project based on Real Life Story)”Ama” (Tentative Book and Feature Film Title) (Work In Progress) Hollywood, CA, Fides just successfully covered the celebrity studded Hollywood Oscar Night Gala featuring Fashion Designer Sue Wong’s Collection as requested by their PR staff Michelle Toh and hosted by the American Chinese CEO Society founded by Robert Sun. Apart from representing the Manila Up! International Magazine during Red Carpet events, putting together a press team to cover events, and giving our magazine mainstream exposure, she will also start contributing as a PhotoJournalist in the column titled, “SOARING HIGH WITH FIDES.” Ms. Mary Antoinette Ceniza is a proud native of Balanga City Bataan, Philippines. She has two loving sons, KRISCHAN WILHELM CENIZA PIASECKI, who is a highly commended AMAZON Lead and STEVEN JOSEPH CENIZA PIASECKI, a UC BERKELEY Media Arts Graduate. Both of them will be collaborating in the present and future projects of Ms. Ceniza in the entertainment industry.

FB Fides Spes Caritas Instagram @fidescaritas maceniza@gmail.com

Gown: International Eco-Couture JOHN ABLAZA Photo: DENNIS RAMOS Make Up: MAC Beauty Art Location: San Francisco

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From Left to Right: Council Member (D5) Wes Speake, Vice Mayor Jim Steiner, Council Member (D1)Jacque Casillas,

Mayor Jason Scott, LA Dodgers Pitcher Joe Kelly, Council Member (D4)Yolanda Carrillo, City Treasurer Chad Willardson Edited by Steven Piasecki /Krischan Piasecki

2018 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION RED SOX’S NOW LA DODGERS’ PITCHER: JOE KELLY RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY OF CORONA HOLLYWOOD HILLS, CALIFORNIA “Welcome Home, Joe Kelly!”

There might have been a storm brewing that Wednesday, the 16th of January 2019, but it didn’t discourage supporters of Joe Kelly. The fans of the LA Dodgers’ new pitcher waited in a very long line and flocked outside the Council Chambers at the Corona City Hall that afternoon. The City of Corona hosted a “Meet and Greet” reception from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue for their popular Corona High School alumni. Afterwards was an awarding ceremony to recognize his outstanding baseball career achievements.

Close to a thousand people showed up for the chance to meet, take photos, get an autograph, or even just have a glimpse of their local hero. There was a very festive atmosphere throughout the hallway as each fan waited for their turn to meet Joe. For the parents it was a feeling of excitement to meet a role model that grew up exactly where their own children were being raised. As far as the aspiring little baseball players go, they looked at Joe with awe and inspiration.

Before Joe was a World Series Champion, he sharpened his teeth on the sandlots of Corona’s

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youth leagues. He toured with prominent travel ball teams where he gained exposure to college scouts, eventually landing him a scholarship to play at the University of California, Riverside.

As a freshman, he switched from an outfielder to a pitcher, where he refined his raw potential into a formidable specialty. He got an All American honor that year after leading his team to victory in the Big West Conference, then into the regional round of the NCAA tournament. His momentum continued — he secured a spot on team USA and two years later, was drafted in 2009 by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 99th pick. In 2014, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he was the winning pitcher in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. After the season ended, he made a choice to come back home — where it all started — and signed a three year contract with the L.A. Dodgers.

Fortunately, even with all the commotion I was able to socialize and briefly talk to the Corona city government officials and staff, VIP guests, Joe’s family, friends, and Joe Kelly himself during the reception. He even cheerfully signed the Manila Up! International Magazine copy I had with me. A few lucky people like an avid fan, Landen Spicer along

with some city staff members took photos with him. Not all were lucky enough to have that opportunity as Joe Kelly was hurriedly ushered inside the Chambers to commence the awarding ceremony. The place was packed with his happy supporters. An inspiring short film clip was shown to begin with the Recognition Ceremony and Council Meeting. It was put together by Joe’s good friend Chris Bowen and his team to highlight Joe Kelly’s baseball

SOARING HIGH WITH FIDES

By Mary Antoinette Nueva Ceniza 19

FLYING HIGH WITh FIDES

career. Cardinal Scout Jeff Ishii is so proud of Joe and he believes that Joe is one of the best competitors early on. Coach Pat Bagatourian also congratulated him and said, “I knew you will be successful. I witnessed you stand up in front of a church full of people and through tears and courage, you were able to speak about your grandpa. I knew right then and there that you are special, you have an A factor. I am proud of the family man that you’ve become and I wish for your continued success in the field and out of the field.”

The footage of messages, pictures, and facts about Joe’s career life made a very positive impact on all of us who watched it. It showed that with proper guidance and good support by family, mentors, and friends, a motivated child with the heart to succeed can make it to the top. The crowd honored Joe with a standing ovation. Thereafter, the Council presented Joe Kelly with the proclamation signed by the City Mayor of Corona Jason Scott.

Joe Kelly turned around and addressed the Council members due to the unexpected number of attendance in the Chamber on his account. “When I received the phone call, I thought it would be something small...but it turned out to be pretty big which is exciting! I really thought I would be just be hanging out with you guys!”

Joe’s dancing was featured in several occasions in the video. It is probably his Mexican-American mother Andrea Valencia’s influence on him because she is the one who asked to take salsa lessons with him. When it comes to his speed it surely came from his father, Joe Kelley Sr., a wide receiver from Vanderbilt who went to training camp with NFL’s San Diego Chargers (Edes). According to Wendy Kelly, his step-mother, Joe’s father had been coaching him through his younger years. It’s also very evident that Joe has a comedic side to him. He is known to have disguised as an old man interviewing the rapper and two-time Grammy Award Winner Nelly who has always been a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Joe also assumed a funny, goofy character, Jim Buchanan of JWK Punta Gorda who claimed to have access everywhere through his media credentials. Skateboarding is another thing that have always been a big part of Joe’s life. It shows his very upbeat and adventurous side. It had been his passion. Just talking about it made his face glow. He recounted, “I wanted to be in the law enforcement

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FLYING HIGH WITh FIDES but instead I spent a lot of time running away from them.... skateboarding at the city parks all the time, hopping over fences and grinding rails.” It gives him so much pleasure and he was so good at it that a local board shop gave him boards to use for his favorite hobby. However, a fall off a ramp while leaping over the head of his little brother brought an end to his skateboarding. He was ordered by his Dad to concentrate on baseball (Edes).

When asked how he felt moving from the outfield to being a pitcher while playing for UCR, he said he wasn’t very happy because from when he was 10 to 12 years old, he was playing too much and his arms started to hurt. He couldn’t pitch more than 8 innings. However, his college coach told him that he had no power with the bat but has a good arm. Joe added, “I got on the mound practicing and it came out pretty good and it just went from there.” Joe Kelly explained that when asked, he doesn’t really remember anything when he played at the World Series on 2013 because he was a young player then, he didn’t enjoy it, and they didn’t win. This time around, he made a mental effort to actually enjoy it and play baseball as he played it in Santana Park. He also felt that with the Red Sox Team, they were so close to each other that it was like when he was a little kid. “ I was just out there playing baseball and having fun! Going out to the mound that way, you pitch, and you know that you’ll go to the World Series! ” With regard to putting his name by the win in the World Series, he humbly said “I don’t think I deserve it, the team just happened to score after I came out of the game.”

It is evident that what matters to Joe the most about playing baseball first and foremost is enjoying it and having fun.

After his reminiscing mood, he got back to the amazement of everybody’s presence. He expressed his appreciation for the huge amount of support that he received from his local community that day. “It’s such an honor standing in front of you guys who do a lot of cooler things...I just happen to throw a baseball fast.” It was an even more meaningful experience since the special occasion was graced by the presence of Joe’s immediate family, his wife Ashley, and son Knox, his Dad Joe Kelley Sr., his stepmother, Wendy his brothers Chris, Mikey, and Nolan and his sister Lennae. His coaches, other extended relatives and friends were also there for him. It was brief but a very worthwhile ceremony. n

“From the City of Corona and all of us at Manila Up! Internationational Magazine, we are happy to have you back in Southern California! Welcome back, the pitcher who’s full of surprises, the Amazing Joe Kelly!”

Photos courtesy of Wendy Kelly, Steve Burke, Shane Spicer, Michelle Nissen, and Cindy Solis

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SPECIAL FEATURE

By Naiia Lajoie

SANTÉ TO SANTOS A SANTOS FAMILY REUNION MANILA

T

he Santos family held a reunion recently, hosted at the effervescent Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel. The scene is a French Mediterranean Restaurant, where the players – being our family – enjoyed the sumptuous sit-down dinner amongst close friends and relatives.

Given they rarely have the opportunity to ingratiate the same room simultaneously, all stepped-up to the dress-up occasion. The ladies looked lavish in floor-length gowns while the men sported their best sport coats, dawning suits & tuxedos.

Santos Family

Los Angeles-based siblings Hester Bautista & Homer Santos flew-in from the City of Angels with the partners and families in tow. Hester Bautista was accompanied by Paul Ritchie, while Homer brought along his whole family.

Henrietta Alvendia and her children were also in full attendance. Host Helsa Tooley was elated at the sight of her family members – near and far – coming together again. It just so happened that the reunion coincided with brother Hernan Santos’ birthday, who appeared as well with his wife Suraida and their children.

Guests were not bound by their busy personal schedules, as was demonstrated by fellow family member Gerry Santos. He temporary left his job as a production designer for film & TV in order to enjoy the night. His works include “Escort”, “Mano Po 7”, along with credits for “Cain and Abel”, “My Love from the Star”, to name a few. n

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Etta Alvendia, Helsa Tooley, Suraida Santos, Homer Santos

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Haron, Suraida, Hernan, Cheza and Hussein Santos

Hester Bautista and Gerry Santos

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Helsa Tooley

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Homer Santos, Paul Ritchie, Hester Bautista, Mila and husband Tom Montalbano

Hernan Santos

Helsa Tooley, Paul Ritchie, Hester Bautista, Cha Mariano, Precy Sekiai

Cha Mariano, Helsa Tooley

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Hussein and wife Cheza Santos, Franco Alvendia, Katrina Balboa

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Have you noticed lately?

H

ave you noticed that stories of human trafficking have been increasing in the Orange County and Los Angeles regions lately? Well, I have!

This has been a huge problem in the regions and there are numerous incredible people and organizations that are taking a stand for righteousness. Recently at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, the Freedom Ride Project had an event held on March 2, called Ensure Justice Conference 2019.

The event had numerous guest speakers including the United States AmbassadorAt-Large and Combat Trafficking Head of Department, John Cotton Richmond.

There were also informational booths with educational material about the trafficking industry such as the Salvation Army Booth that had multiple resources and pamphlets.

One major part of this event was a Bike Ride at the end with Valley High School students who are in the Freedom Ambassador Program.

This program helps create awareness about trafficking, they are trained to know how to help other students who may be silent victims or are prey to trafficking. The Bike Ride is a very meaningful component of this organization’s programs beginning with the story of its founder, Elisabeth Gegner.

Elisabeth had volunteered in the early 1990s at an orphanage in Thailand and for the first time heard about trafficking. She met children whose parents sold them to the sex traffickers at as the early age of 4 years old. In 2015, Elisabeth decided to ride her bike in Laguna Beach, California to Bend, Oregon to raise awareness about trafficking and to fund a safehouse in Thailand.

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While on the bike ride, she discovered that human trafficking was happening in numerous places in the United States. The Freedom Project was birthed in 2016 to move people into action and bring awareness about trafficking in communities.

It is such an inspirational story that Elisabeth has, don’t you agree? Let us be aware of our communities’ needs and concerns and stand up for those who feel they do not have a voice.

Whatever your heart may be telling you to do right now, whether it is big or Small, just do it! It could be making care packages for the homeless, or even selling cookies to help benefit programs for abused children. Do not be afraid to step out in faith and do it, because it will change lives and make a difference in your community. n

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SIAM LIVING

MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2018 VALERIA VAZQUEZ OFFICIALLY BEGINS HER SUPRA JOURNEY IN BANGKOK, THAILAND BANGKOK

Recently, I had the chance to meet and interview Miss Supranational 2018 winner, the very lovely Valeria Vazquez Latorre from Puerto Rico. As Puerto Rico’s first ever winner of Miss Supranational, she shared with us her excitement as she officially embarked on her Supra Journey beginning her Asian tour here in Bangkok, Thailand.

Celle: Welcome to Thailand, Valeria! How are you today?

Valeria: Good, thank you! And you?

C: Good as well, thank you!

So, this is your first international trip as Miss Supranational queen, how is it so far?

V: So far, it’s been going good. Just been passing through some jet lag and getting some rest and putting the schedules together with the organization, but so far I’ve been enjoying it.

C: That is good! And what do you think about Thailand? Are you enjoying your visit? And what do you like in here?

V: I like it. I like it that it’s very similar to my home like the climate and everything. And I like that the people are very…always smiling.

I guess that’s why it’s called “The Land of Smiles”! They are friendly, actually it is a lot similar to my home country but a bit more warmer, their smiles… I think that’s what I like the most so far.

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C: I believe that this is your first visit to Asia, and Thailand is your first destination, What would you like to accomplish, like personal bucket list that you want to achieve or have?

V: I want to visit as much as I can. I always wanted to visit Thailand mostly to see your “ecotourism” part and I’m also very excited that I am going to go to an elephant sanctuary.

I love elephants and they are my favorite animals. I’m very excited to actually see them.

And in Puerto Rico we don’t have them, pretty much that.

C: And you will be staying here for two weeks.

Can you share your official activities with us?

V: Besides media, meeting media for interviews, I am gonna be doing a meet and greet with Thai fans. In that meeting we will have the reigning Mister and Miss Supranational Thailand too. We have photo shoots, sightseeing obviously, sponsors meeting, and yeah, charity works! There’s so much in my head, I can’t put out everything well. [laughs] C: I believe you are also visiting other Asian countries. What are they and what are you going to do?

V: After Thailand, I’m gonna go to Indonesia.

We have the finals for Puteri Indonesia where we crown the Indonesian contestant for Supranational there. Also, we’re going to do some interviews there, after Indonesia we are going to Vietnam.

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SIAM LIVING C: Busy days ahead for you! So now let’s go to more Miss Supranational questions. First, what do you wish to accomplish for the people and community as Miss Supranational?

V: Honestly, what I want to do during my reign is just to empower girls, giving them more confidence in themselves. It is something I truly believe in. During the competition, I mentioned that I truly believe in the slogan of this pageant which is “Fashion, Glamour and Natural Beauty”. I am very supportive of natural beauty and I am not one of those girls who always “glam-up” all day, with crown and everything. I like to keep it simple, be natural and just want girls to be more like themselves because nowadays, social media is so strong that we get a lot of bullying through it especially if you are a candidate for any kind of beauty pageant. I just want girls to be better and above themselves. I’ll try to work on that as much as I can with you guys.

C: So “natural beauty” is what you want to impart to everyone.

V: Yes, certainly.

C: Now let’s talk about your home country, Puerto Rico. What traits or culture you would like to share that the world must know about Puerto Rico?

V: The world pretty knows more about the musicians of Puerto Rico. You know, Daddy Yankee, Louis Fonsi, and yes, Ricky Martin.

We have a lot of stars but uhm, people, I think, should really try our food. I always miss it when I go to trips. Most of the time people back home are happy and very resilient.

For example, after Hurricane Maria people were very united and got together with their neighbors and made food for everyone and just stayed happy about everything despite what was going on.

C: What is your advice for ladies who wish to join Miss Supranational in the future?

V: Well, like I told you, “Stay true to yourself.

Believe in yourself, be confident.” There’s no one who can’t do anything. For example in my case, a lot of people back home probably didn’t believe that I could actually get the crown for Miss Supranational and I proved them wrong!

Here I am! And it is pretty much like that, believe in yourself and believe in your dreams—work for them cause no one’s going to work for them unless you do it and be confident about yourself.

C: Very well said. And lastly, what would you like to tell your fans and followers?

V: Well, I wanna meet everyone. Every time I go to a country, I want to meet every single one of you. And my message for all will always be and this sounds repetitive but I really, really want people to just believe in themselves, stay true to yourself, do not please others and just be confident about who you are.

C: Thank you so much, Valeria for this opportunity and for having me. Good luck to you and have fun on your visit here in Thailand and the rest of your trip!

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Valeria Vazquez Latorre, Miss Supranational 2018 Valeria is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 25 year old, stunning lady is a successful model back in her country and is also a Medical Technology student. Valeria describes herself as ambitious, hardworking and confident person and that among her greatest loves are her dad, mom, her brother and her Yorkshire terrier pet, Zuko.

When she was crowned as 10 th Miss Supranational queen in December 2018, not only she became the first Puerto Rico representative to take home the title. But also made her the first ever candidate to win as Miss Supranational from the Caribbean.

She was warmly welcomed by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Beatriz Rossello when she returned home after the pageant and then received a recognition by the Government of Puerto Rico for the national pride she has brought to the country just days before she begin her #SupraJourney.

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ON AND OFF THE RED CARPET

LOOKING AT THE FUTURE

THROUGH THE DESIGNS OF

KENNETH BARLIS

By Janet Susan R. Nepales

“Crazy Rich Asians” on “Vietbeauty Magazine” wearing Kenneth Barlis outfits

D

aring, original, edgy. You may describe it however you want, but you cannot deny that Kenneth Barlis, that young designer from San Diego, is making waves right now with his unique designs that most veteran fashion designers are starting to notice.

2019, in fact, is Kenneth’s year.

He even surprised himself when I pointed out to him that his green ballroom gown for TV show host and fashion stylist Jeannie Mai at the 76th Golden Globe Awards landed on the Best Dressed List of no less than the Los Angeles Times. And yes, he was right there among the who’s who in fashion.

Kenneth Barlis

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Then the grand slam happened. Right after another Kenneth’s designs are being highlighted in covers of magazines with more celebrities wearing his creations --- “Crazy Rich Asian” Nico Santos proudly wore a black and white suit ensemble by Kenneth on the cover of Advocate magazine, more “Crazy Rich Asians” actors and actresses wore his creations on Vietbeauty magazine, then there is no less than Hollywood actor Dermot Mulroney who was dashing and handsome in a delicious peachcolored suit by Kenneth as he posed on the cover of Entertainment Weekly magazine to honor the reunion of the cast of “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with Rupert Everett, Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts.

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ON AND OFF THE RED CARPET I have followed the career of Kenneth and I have seen him grow by leaps and bounds, being more daring, more creative, more wonderful. His recent show at the Los Angeles Fashion Week attests to that. His men’s creations was just mind blowing. It was just like somebody cleaned my glasses and everything became brighter and more colorful. I could easily even want to wear them myself !

Kenneth talks about his inspiration for his KB Collection Spring-Summer 2019. He said, “It is inspired from the psychedelic love, colors and harmony. I love playing with colors and textures all in one. I believe that men’s wear should not stop from the traditional black, and gray suit. I wanted to explore and push every button I can to create a new lifestyle for men. I wanted them to enjoy dressing up as well.”

Surely, your husband or boyfriend won’t look like any other drab guy in a monochromatic black or gray suit. Wearing one of Kenneth’s suits brings out the joy and fun in dressing up.

And men should also enjoy that!

As for his women’s collection, Kenneth explained, “For the women, I created a modern KB look and gave a very sexy touch to it. High slits and no lining look for this season is my big thing. I wanted to show off the women’s figures by adding allure and glamour using those nude soft tulles.”

Stressing the femininity and natural look of women is definitely Kenneth’s message in this collection.

The showstopper of the night is a six-year-old girl, who happens to be Kenneth’s niece, who also modeled for Kenneth and was even his finale model. The little girl has the right model attitude and definitely will go places like his uncle Kenneth! Looking forward to Kenneth’s next show and bravo to this millennial who is showing us what the future will look like. n

Dermot Mulroney, third from left, wearing a Kenneth Barlis suit on the cover of Entertainment Weekly in honor of the reunion the cast of “My Best Friend’s Wedding” that also includes Rupert Everett, Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz

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MAUI MANIA

ABOUT KALIMAYA HERRERA

MAUI MANIA

By Edith Pendleton 30

S

ifu Kali immigrated from the Philippines at the age of twenty and explored various fields of endeavor from banking to welding! She eventually discovered her true passion for physical fitness and martial arts at the age of 35. Her realization was that it’s never too late to start exercising and it doesn’t have to be boring. This changed her life and “life style” as well as the hundreds of students she has taught and motivated throughout the years. In 1987, at Point Richmond, California, she founded Exergy35 Productions, a family wellness organization dedicated to educating and inspiring others through therapeutic massage therapy, martial arts, positive energy, stress reducing programs, chi meditation, breathing (inner empowering force) classes, and, self esteem programs.

She is a personal trainer and provides youth activities for children from K-12. An active participant in parades which includes cultural performances, she has boundless energy. Included in her repertoire are dance and fight choreography management using self defense modalities with sticks and swords. On the lighter side of things she is a renowned hula and chi instructor. Aside from physical skills, Kalimaya has solid artistic talents as a floral and costume designer. In the world of cuisine she manages banquets and does catering among her numerous skills. A senior in her ‘70’s she is a proponent of the senior fitness movement. An amazing role model for us, she is a pride of Maui and held in high esteem and respected for her contributions to both the Filipino and local communities. A progressive thinker and doer, Kalimaya may well be found blazing new trails in her ever dynamic life! n

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MAUI MANIA

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MOUNTAIN RANGES OF JOY AND BEAUTY (SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK- WALES)

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain” Isaiah 40:4 (KJV). Is this biblical verse only a hyperbolic statement or rhetoric to stress a point? For me, it is real both physically and spiritually. Who was the Prophet Isaiah? His ministry was between 740 BC to 685BC. The Book of Isaiah is one of the original “Dead Sea Scrolls” discovered intact and almost complete. The discovered scrolls are 1000 years older than the oldest Hebrew manuscripts, where the Book of Isaiah that we read today were taken. The salient features of Isaiah’s preaching are: 1) He prophesied the birth of the Prince of Peace and Suffering Servant, Jesus the Messiah (Christ); 2) He denounced the religious hypocrisy of his time; 3) God is the Creator 4) The Loving Mercy of God Moving forward about 700 years later, the One he prophesied was born, and the very first public message delivered by Jesus Christ was taken from Isaiah 61:1. Isaiah was humbled to see the glory of the Lord while on

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earth; he was doubly humbled in heaven that Jesus read his prophecy about Himself.

A Journey to the Mountains and Hills In 1904 there was a well-known Welsh Revival started by Evan Roberts. I read about his life in the book “God’s Generals Volume I” by Roberts Liardon, one of the preachers I am following, who is based in Orlando Florida, USA. For that reason, I visited Wales. In doing so, I discovered another divine knowledge.

Wales is one of the four nations that complete the United Kingdom. It is remarkable for its rugged terrain with high mountains, deep valleys, forests and rivers. Wales is divided by rivers which derive their source from two collections of mountain ranges: Ellennith in South Wales and Eryri in North Wales where the Snowdonia National Park is located.

This is a park not to be missed in the United Kingdom. This park has nine mountain ranges, the highest of which is Snowdon or “Snow Hill”, or “Yr Wyddfa” in Welsh. The park is best known for mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, fresh water swimming, rafting, photography or just for appreciating the panoramic views and meditating. Another mountain in these nine ranges is called Cadar Idris (the Seat of Idris).

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KINGDOM ADVENTURE

Snowdon and Cadar Idris are actualities of Isaiah 40:4, “a valley exalted, and a mountain made low”. Cadar Idris and Snowdon were once valleys but now the highest mountains in Wales, and the valley between them was once a mountain.

The curve of the strata or rock layers of these two mountains proves this. Snowdonia’s mountain ranges are volcanic in origin. These are formed when a tectonic plate is forced below the edge of another then magma is pushed to the surface. The magma on the surface, called lava, gradually turns into a mountain. This is a profound analysis of the scientists. However, the geologic time scale given of millions of years is something I don’t agree with. I believe the earth is young, as written in the Bible. Can we find proof of this verse in less than a million years? Yes, in many places. One of these examples occurred not after millions of years but only around 20 years after it erupted. That is the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.

I experienced and saw the extent of devastation that it brought, being the second largest of the volcanic eruptions of the 20th Century. It was ten times more powerful than Mount Saint Helen’s volcanic eruption in Washington, United States. One of the effects of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption as described by scientists is: “Huge avalanches of searing hot ash, gas, and pumice fragments (pyroclastic flows) roared down the flanks of Mount Pinatubo, filling once-deep valleys with fresh volcanic deposits as much as 660 feet (200 meters) thick. The eruption removed so much magma and rock from below the volcano that the summit collapsed to form a large volcanic depression (caldera) 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometres) across”. (U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 113-97). Volcanic eruptions testify that the Word of God is true. Because of their catastrophic effects, people couldn’t see God speak in the midst of trouble. The loss of earthly life is a process that all human beings must go through, whether there is a volcanic eruption or not, though it is painful for those who are left behind.

The sobering truth also reminds us that judgement follows our lives on earth. Not only life, wealth and possessions on earth are temporary, but also the huge, immovable, solid rocks that remain for thousands of years, at the designated time will turn into ash.

Volcanic eruptions are catastrophic, but this also validates that God is good and can turn ashes into beauty on earth and in heaven.

Today Snowdonia Mountain Park, Mount Pinatubo and Mount Saint Helen are among the top tourist attractions that take pride in their natural beauty and awesome landscapes brought about by extreme preconditions of nature.

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For scientific people the whole event can be expressed in symbols, formulations, equations and computations based on science. If it is God’s will to express that verse in scientific language and computations, the book would be ten times thicker than the Bible. God had the Bible written in simple language that all men can understand, yet most people ignore reading it. How much more, if He wrote it in scientific terminology, would people withstand reading it? Not even the most brilliant scientist on earth would read it. This is because even scientists have specializations.

Even if the intelligence of all scientists born since the beginning of time was put together, it would not come close to the intelligence of the God of the Bible. Intelligence and wealth are man’s artificial glory on earth. But there is a glory everlasting available, that not a single person or denomination can claim, and that is the glory of God. God never shares His glory with anyone. Jesus Christ is One with the Father. He is now sitting at the right hand of the Father. God highly exalted Him. His face is like the sun shining in its strength. Jesus Christ, who is the Head, reflects His glory to His Body, which is the Church. The Church on its own without Jesus will not give glorious light, because Jesus alone is the Light.

The Loving Omniscient- All Knowing God The Bible is written in a manner that people of all generations can understand, but that doesn’t mean it is hyperbolic or far from reality. It is the book inspired by the Holy Spirit and so the Holy Spirit is needed to understand it best. Spiritually speaking, Isaiah

40:4 means that every believer who is facing a mountain that is hindering their destination, by their faith, God will turn it into a valley.

An assurance that not even the highest mountain can thwart the Word of God that is given to everyone who believes. No valley is too deep for God to elevate, to give glory to His name.

Science is one tiny way of confirming what is written in the Bible. No one can describe the heights and depths of the meaning of every word in the Bible. It speaks differently to any individual who reads it, but the central message is that God loves the people He created.

The way that I have described Isaiah 40:4 is an effort comparable to a fraction of a piece of ash, in my attempt to show that God is an All Knowing. God is Omniscient and yet man’s eternal destiny is His concern. “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” Isaiah 54:10 (KJV) It is because of His mercy that He sent His only begotten Son for the salvation of humanity.

The choice is totally up to us whether to enjoy and receive His merciful act of love or not. The benefit of believing in Jesus is endless joy and beauty on earth and for the rest of eternity. n

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Welcomes Robert D. Womack

H

e was born in Woodlake, California. After attending high school in Visalia and Hanford, Ca, he joined the United State Air Force, trained as a reciprocating aircraft mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. After more specific training in Hawaii, he then was assigned to an Airlift Command in the Philippines to support the Vietnam War for an 18 month tour. He was sent on a temporary duty assignment to Ubon, Thailand and Saigon,

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Vietnam. After the Philippines, he received orders to go to Vietnam and assigned to Air Commando/ Special Operations at Nha Trang.

Then he was sent in the field to the Mekong Delta, Binh Thuy, For a 12 month tour as a Crew Chief on AC47 Gunships. AC47 Gunships were armed with three General Electric Gatling Guns called mini-guns. He was later reassigned for the last three months of his tour for flight crew duties on the base C47 “Delta Queen” flying to every major base in Vietnam with some flights out of country, armed with just an M16 and 38 cal SW revolver. The Delta Queen carried parts, mail, chickens, pigs, and sometimes up to 13 passengers.

Flights to Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan were common destinations.

He has a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration. His favorite subjects in school were English 1A, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Computer Programming, and Ecology. He received honors being on the Deans List and Presidents List.

He worked over 30 years in the medical field in dialysis doing machine maintenance as Chief Technologist and Certified Patient Care Technologist. The last 20 years he served as Technical Manager, Clinishare Dialysis, Clinical Administrator of Monterey Peninsula Dialysis, Facility Administrator of Davita Soledad Dialysis, and Practice

Administrator for Central Coast Nephrology in Salinas, California. As Practice Administrator, he was given oversight of four medical offices, ultrasound, laboratory, and an infusion center. Robert has done consulting work for dialysis facilities and in designing orthodontic billing software.

His hobbies are designing free standing database computer programs, horseback riding, running, archery, sailing, drawing/painting, motorcycle and bicycle riding. He has competitively paddled Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes throughout California and in an International race from Catalina Island to Newport Beach. He was in a bicycle ride called “Tour Davita” traveling through several states with one leg of the tour 100 miles in length. He has completed 5 Los Angeles, 1 Long Beach, and 2 Big Sur Marathons. In addition, he completed 1 San Franciso, 2 Big Sur, 1 San Francisco, and 1 Malibu Half Marathons.

He has been published in a “Handbook for Dialysis Technology” the Chemistry chapter, and a book of poetry called, “Simple Poems with Simple Rhymes”. Incidentally, Robert has read his poetry in coffee shops in front of an “open mic” in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Additionally, he is artistic and works with dry brush water color and colored pencil. The effect of this style can mimic photographic looking.

He moved to Marina del Rey to live aboard the sailboat “The Pearl” and became an actor/producer with work in San Diego and Hollywood, New Mexico, and Texas. He can be found on IMDb, an online database of actors and films.

Robert has also written articles for the Entertainment Magazine, “Kzaiz”.

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CHINESE OSCAR NIGHT AWARDS GALA AND SUE WONG’S FASHION SHOW Photos By Joe Garcia

W From Hollywood to ASIA

By ROBERT WOMACK

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orld famous Fashion Designer, Sue Wong, was the volunteer chairwoman for the American Chinese Society’s Oscar Night and Gala after party. Its President is Robert Sun who is a diplomat for American Chinese relations. He received his BA from Zhejiang University in China and his MBA from the University of Riverside, California. Besides being involved in investment ventures for medical devices within the United States and China, he co- founded the American Chinese Society. The Society fosters business relationships between the two countries. It is open to all CEOs of American and Chinese descent doing business between the two countries to include entertainment. Robert Son is well respected in the Chinese, American, business, entertainment, and government circles.

The Chinese Oscar Night celebration was held on February 24, 2019 at the beautiful Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood, California.

Sue Wong tirelessly worked on every aspect of the evening from the decorations to place settings. More importantly, she orchestrated a fashion show presenting her world famous dresses and gown designs.

Her entourage of beautiful models who strutted their stuff on and offstage were graciously available for photographs throughout the

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FROm HOLLYWOOD TO ASIA entire evening. Many celebrities were on hand to enjoy the show and some received awards. Actor Billy Zane received a well-deserved “Excellence in Acting Award”. Billy Zane has been in many films over his highly successful and illustrious career, including the charismatic super hero in “Phantom”, to the deranged castaway in “Dead Calm”, and the conniving privileged character in “Titanic” to name just a few.

Another famous and noteworthy actress was present at the Gala, Chinese born, Lisa Lui. She received a “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Everyone knows her from “Rich and Crazy Asians”. There were others, like Oliver Stone, Sean Stone, Hou Yong, Archie Kao who also received awards.

The crème de la crème was the “Excellence in Design Award” presented to Sue Wong. Sue’s catwalk and fashion show was testament to that well deserved accolade. After the magnificently adorned and beautifully presented fashion show, the gracious designer circulated among the crowded Taglyan Cultural Center socializing with celebrities and guests. By all accounts, it was a flawless evening. Lastly, the evening included entertainment from Chinese Drummers, a lovely Chinese Dancer, and a Michael Jackson impersonator who looked and danced the part.n

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FROm HOLLYWOOD TO ASIA

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FROm HOLLYWOOD TO ASIA

ACCS (American-Chinese CEO Society) Presents: “HOLLYWOOD CHINA NIGHT AWARD CEREMONY’ With OSCAR VIEWING Photos by: CELIA “PaparazzCel” ABUEL Hollywood Special Guests: Fashion Designer Sue Wong, Actors/ Producer, Billy Zane, Vincent de Paul, Christopher Lambert, Basil Moore, Meta World Peace, Sean Oliver, Larry Kasanoff, Lisa Lu, Larry Namer, E! Entertainment Founder, Mick Davis, Christine Divine,Newscaster, Sean McNabb, Robert Frank Teller, Larry Dunn, Musician, Basil Moore, Filmmaker/Director, Robert Sun, CEO ACCS, Billie Mitchell, CEO and Gray Sze Kong President & Founder of The 1 Wine and Classic New York Beer.

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Agile & Wopsy Zamora

STANDING ROOM ONLY MANILA

L

ovely and BUBBLY Lady Agile Zamora was on top of the world when she celebrated her birthday at the Whisky Room of the Peak of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Agile invited only a select group of friends close to her and husband Lights King, Wopsy Zamora due to a limited space.

An array of cocktail bites and of course overflowing bubbly and wines and spirits were enjoyed by her guests led by Secretary Sal Panelo, Panama Ambassador Rolando Guevara, Gorgeous consuls Helen Ong and Fortune Ledesma, Annabelle Rama, Ito Curata and Bob Miller, Noel and Eileen Gonzales, her bestfriend Connie Haw, and a few others from her best dressed group. Being the party queen

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herself she missed the dancing this year... it was a standing room only affair. Celebrating in the year of the pig, Agile gave away stuffed piggy toys. As in all of her parties, photo taking was the order of the day. She made sure all her guests were photographed with their stuffed toys for posterity. Wearing a Randy Ortiz outfit color of the year, she hopped from one corner of the room to the other making sure the guests had enough to eat and drink. Top honcho of the Grand Hyatt, Hans Hauri was very much around also to make sure everything was in order.

To Agile, may you continue to enjoy life to the fullest with your family and friends.

Happy birthday and more to come!!!! n

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IN OTHER WORLDS

Junjun Ablaza, Mayenne Carmona, Ariel Arce, Tina and Rupert Jacinto

Bob Miller & Ito Curata

Tina Cuevas & Ofelia Wadle

Fortune Ledesma, Wopsy & Agile Zamora, Nene Leonor

Cris Badiola, Linda Ley, Secretary Sal Panelo, Olivia Limpe Aw, Duday Tuazon

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IN OTHER WORLDS

Atty Rene & Ann Puno, Junjun Ablaza, Eileen & Noel Gonzales

Agile Zamora, Becky Garcia

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Agile Zamota, H.E. Amb. Rolando Alvarado Guevara, Fortune Ledesma

Carolyn Tan, Joy Wambangco Rustia

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GLASS HALF FIL Isabelle Du & Dennis Hour

Isabelle Du

ACTRESS WANTED, SUCCESS FOUND

GLASS HALF FIL

By NAIIA LA JOIE

L

ike the awestruck crowd witnessing their first-ever Lion Dance during the Lunar New Year, it is difficult not be swept-up by the success of 2018’s film rendition of Crazy Rich Asians.

Both are lavish, heavily ornamented, and inspire a cultural curiosity in onlookers. Above all else, it seemingly sparked a reaction that rippled across the Asian and ethnic community of performers – “FINALLY!” they sighed in unison.

All of my Asian and half-Asian film industry friends – whether they had read Kevin

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Kwan’s book or not – were delighted by being represented in a big-screen blockbuster. It meant that there was a chance for the rest of us beyond a bit part or mere stereotype. Clearly it succeeded in dazzling others as well given the film won Best Comedy of the 2019 Critics Choice Awards, and garnered Constance Wu a Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical nomination during the Golden Globes. Yet despite these accolades, inevitably naysayers found something to nitpick; “But are Asian cultures really like that?” “Isn’t the family dynamic a bit over-the-top?” And my personal favorite, which I was met-with in the midst of writing this article, “Why does it matter so much who plays what role? As an American Caucasian I can play a European or vice versa and it’s not a big deal. It’s all make-believe.”

Well. For those of us whose ethnic background that “make-believe” is based on, much like Constance Wu’s character Rachel Chu who identifies with two cultures, we sometimes find ourselves stuck in a bizarre in-between – or worse, ostracized by both. Such is the case with international actress, model, and host Isabelle Du. Born and raised in Northern California to two Vietnamese immigrant parents, Isabelle elaborates on the trials of her early years: “My

first language was Vietnamese. It wasn’t until I started first grade that I was required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes because of my very thick accent.”

“I still remember gravitating towards my Vietnamese-American classmate who spoke perfect English but didn’t speak Vietnamese.

I felt more comfortable talking to her in Vietnamese, and I remember her being at the top of a yellow slide and before she slid down — she shouted at me to ‘SPEAK ENGLISH!’ I was only 6 but I remembered feeling so stunned by it.

Here is a fellow Vietnamese American girl but we had different cultural identities.” Perhaps it is this upbringing of being raised between worlds that made Isabelle the perfect candidate to be cast in the role of Linh in the 2018 independent feature Actress Wanted.

Written and directed by Minh Duc Nguyen (whose previous feature Touch won Best First Feature at the 2011 Santa Rosa International Film Festival), Actress Wanted is a dark yet deceptively-delightful horror, whose white knuckle-inducing tension-filled moments are interspersed with the charming chemistry between leads Long Nguyen and Thien Nguyen (who won Best Actor and Best Actress during the

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GLASS HALF FIL Long Nguyen as Vu and Thien Nguyen as Mai

Long Nguyen, Thien A. Pham, and Thien Nguyen 2018 Viet Film Fest where the film premiered, respectively), as well as the accidental humor of Isabelle Du’s character Linh. “I was prompted to write Actress Wanted after seeing how hard it was for my Asian-American actor friends to land roles in Hollywood” Minh explains. “Their struggles inspired me to write this script, in addition to my love for the thriller and horror genres. But I didn’t want to hit the viewers on the head with the message. Instead, I just wanted to just hint at it, to keep the message subtle.”

The subtlety Minh refers to takes form in a complex melding of Californian vernacular, Vietnamese with English subtitles, and timejumps, all of which lead to the film taking on a timeless quality. “It was important for me to make the dialogue and characters equal part English and Vietnamese because it was more authentic that way. The older VietnameseAmericans still speak Vietnamese to each other, and the young ones are usually conversing in English.” While pitching a half-Foreign film in the Hollywood market might come across as a gamble, the internationalism within is precisely what made producer Thien A. Pham game. “I make a conscious practice to pursue and work on projects that provide opportunities for diverse talent, which is really what 3388 Films is about.

We’re an international film production, sales and distribution company that champions the spirit of independent films, especially those by Asian filmmakers and about the authentic Asian experience.”

“I gravitate towards projects that provide opportunities for Asians to take on characters and storylines that grate against current stereotypes. I’d like to see more projects like Searching, where we see an engaging story unfold about a timely topic with universal relevancy, centered around an Asian family. And the family being Asian is not a distraction, nor does it come across as merely a selling point.”

To Thien’s point, perhaps there is indeed a thirst for theatrical multiculturalism, which is why when Actress Wanted premiered in Orange County, California – where the movie’s plot takes place – the 400-seat theater at the world’s

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largest international Vietnamese film festival sold-out, and a second theater opened their screening room in order to accommodate the 200 additional movie-goers.

Isabelle echoes Thien’s thought process: “AsianAmerican stories are vastly different from those that are exclusively Asian or just American — particularly with second-generation AsianAmericans. They are raised with their parents’ traditional values at home, but are immersed in American culture from their peers, their peers’ families, school and what they see on TV.” She further elaborates, “The themes in Actress Wanted might not resonate 100% with its audiences in Vietnam or even American audiences — but for those in-between, it does.”

Speaking of Vietnamese audiences, Actress Wanted had a wide theatrical release in Vietnam late last year, screening in almost 100 theaters across the nation. A press conference was held a few days before where the film was well-received by critics; in attendance were actress Truong Ngoc Anh, producer Timothy Linh Bui, hip-hop artist Suboi, and fellow filmmakers Jayvee Mai The Hiep, Buu Loc Tran, Danny Do, and Vu Ngoc Phuong.

In terms of what lies ahead for the makers of this international marvel, filmmaker Minh Duc Nguyen already has his sights set on making another horror film wherein he can further manipulate the viewer’s mind. Continuing his quest to quash Asian stereotypes, Thien A. Pham is producing a feature called Send, wherein a broken Asian family deals with teenaged angst and online sexual predation, in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. He also mentions, “There are so many challenges when it comes to distribution for a small, indie film like Actress Wanted, so we’re taking one small distribution step at a time. If anyone reading this is interested in supporting us, in any capacity, please reach out.” As for actress Isabelle Du – arguably the film’s voice-of-reason, often vocalizing what the audience is internalizing – after being crowned Miss Vietnam USA 2017, having starred in 6 seasons of Syfy’s Face Off, seasons 1 & 2 of Lifetime’s American Beauty Star (the only Asian model to have ever done so), and

the 100 Years of Beauty Vietnam video with over 3.3 million views on Facebook & 1.3 million views on YouTube, while it is tough to top a list laden with high accolades, surprisingly she still encounters resistance with one endeavor: cultural identity.

For someone so well-traveled, who spent 4 years modeling across Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and even the Philippines (where she performed scuba-diving stunt work in Cebu, graced the pages of FHM Philippines, and would often be mistaken for KC Concepcion), it is an absolute wonder – or more fittingly, society’s blunder – that she should feel like a stranger to her cultures. The American in her is often asked “What’s your nationality?” when really what people mean is her ethnicity. The Vietnamese in her is thought of as being ignorant for having an American accent when speaking her mother’s maiden tongue. So what is the solution? How is this rectified? Precisely how we have been doing so for centuries; through story.

Isabelle is not perpetuating an Asian stereotype, rather she is accentuating what can be accomplished when one embraces their cultural uniqueness. In March of 2019 she will marry her fiancée and partner on CBS’ 25th season of The Amazing Race (#TheDatingCouple) Dennis Hour, in a celebration fusing Vietnamese, Cambodian, and American aspects. Even her pet dogs, Olive & Caper – one of whom was rescued from Asia’s dog meat trade – are as multicultural as they are multitalented (Buzzfeed’s Tito’s: Vodka For Dog People: Dog Voice Over, modeling for Charming Charlie, Three Dog Bakery, & Modern Beast, and even participating in Haute Dogs & Hallmark Channel’s American Rescue Dog Show).

All of which to say, what you elect to create and represent on mainstream media, you propagate into being. The changes in Hollywood may seem small and slow, but as producer Thien said, “It’s subtle and real, because our society is a fabric made up of multi-colored threads that can’t be neatly separated by color.” And just like the colorful threads found in those Lion Dancers’ costumes, here’s to looking forward to more dazzling displays of cultural significance. n

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RC CAYLAN:

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

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ver pork sisig and ginataang langka , he talked about his humble beginnings working in a cruise ship.It was far different but still he held on to his ambition to someday pursue a fashion and design career: a dream shaped early on growing up in Batangas with a mother and a grandmother who were seamstresses. He met Rick in one of these cruise travels and forged a relationship which proved to one day be a significant anchor to RC’s dream. With Grand Rapids as his base, he refocused his passion and pursued a degree in Fashion Design. In less than a decade, his first break at a runway show came in 2015 in San Francisco.

Mindful of the competitive fashion world, he understands the need to create a stamp characteristically his own. As to his style compass, he describes the classic feminine silhouette as his dictum. The make is modern but elegant, his palette is not to be defined by patterns and bright colors but it is to transform them. Caylan aims to capture in each of his pieces the call of Hollywood glam. While seemingly polar opposites, his proclaimed influences along the lines of Valentino and Alexander McQueen unify the classic feminine form, whether close to her skin or serving as the frame. Voluminous and in colors. Dark and with grunge. Revealing and hidden.

And while the creative force starts with each of his sketches, his aim is always at the heart of couture: translation in the details. “Execution is far better than design itself ” he exclaimed as he recalled the very first time he saw his creation in print (and subsequently in social media) when Anne Winters (Tyrant, Wicked City) was clad in an RC Caylan gown when she won the Emmy for “Night School” (Zac and Mia).

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PULSONG GOTHAM

His pieces are showcased in Hollywood and have been worn by other artists like Navia Robinson (Raven’s Home), Toni Trucks (Seal Team) and Francia Raisa (Freeform), among others.

When asked of any trace of Filipinism in his designs, he underlined the Terno shoulder in its varied interpretations as seen in these pieces.

A designer as an artist draws inspiration from those close to home. For his fall/winter collection titled “LEGEND, I am Every Woman”, the icon, Miss Whitney Houston, was not a difficult choice. “When I heard the news that they will make a documentary movie about her, I thought she will be a great inspiration for my new collection.” Considering her as one of his favorite artists of all time, he recalled singing her music and listening to them up until

now. “The whole look of my collection was inspired by her look when she started in the business, her look from the late 70s, 80s and early 90s”.

He presented this collection at the NY Fashion Week Spring Presentation. One of only four designers of Filipino heritage to be chosen by the Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers Association (CAAFD). This select few was culled from a cadre of emerging designers who aim to break from the mold.

As to his career trajectory, he sees a combination of haute and pret-a-porte lines being carried by a major retail store as the pinnacle of his career. There is no doubt that the level of confidence, willingness to learn and determination that were visibly palpable during this meeting will levitate him further. Probably even beyond the stars. n

( Interview conducted at Mama Fina , Alphabet City, Manhattan. This will be my second time at this new Filipino restaurant, carving its niche by offering PINOY sizzling plates (sisig) we all know and will be an American byword. Of note, RC specifically mentioned this place when asked where to meet as if finding recluse in comfort food following a much needed break from mounting his Fall 2019 collection three nights prior to the New York Fashion Week. He gladly acceded to this request for an interview despite a short window for us as he was to fly back home while I was getting ready for a weekend trip to Mexico City.)

RC Caylan Atelier is located at RC Caylan Atelier, LLC, Aldrich Building, 80 Ottawa ave. NW. Suite 308, Grand Rapids MI. 49503.

616.570.2111. www.rccaylan.com rccaylanatelier@gmail.coml Follow FB & IG account @rccaylanatelierofficial Images courtesy of RC Caylan with photo credits from David Specht& Sam Suarez

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Community Events

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Community Events

COMMISSIONER, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CITY OF LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES

JESSICA CALOZA is a Commissioner on the Board of Public Works. She was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in February 2019.

Previously, Jessica served as Mayor Garcetti’s Director of Scheduling since 2017, overseeing the Mayor’s entire scheduling operation — including strategic planning, day-to-day logistics, and coordination. She also served as Deputy Director of Scheduling, and came to the Mayor’s Executive Office from the Office of Immigrant Affairs, where she managed policy proposals, grant programs, and civic engagement initiatives focused on expanding access to resources for immigrant communities.

Prior to joining the Garcetti Administration, Jessica served in the Obama Administration in the U.S. Department of Education — where she worked on Congressional and legislative affairs, student data and privacy, immigration policy, and gender equity issues.

She has also been a campaign aide to several members of Congress for their reelection campaigns, including former Rep. Xavier Becerra of California; former Rep. Mike Honda of California; and Rep. Albio Sires of New Jersey. In 2012, she led a Virginia field office for President Obama’s reelection campaign.

Outside of government, Jessica serves on the Leadership Council for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE). In 2014, she was also selected as one of ten delegates for the Filipino Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), an immersive leadership program led by the Ambassador of the Philippines. Jessica previously served on the boards of KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, the FYLPro Executive Committee, and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Jessica is a proud first-generation immigrant and lives with her husband, Matt, and their cat. n

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Joanne and Gunther Matschuck

GUNTHER’S BIRTHDAY 48

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IN OTHER WORLDS

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n Thursday, Feb 28 at the Makati Shangri-La, with a guest list of over 200, friends and family came together to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr. Gunter Matschuck. As a German expat that has lived almost half his life in the Philippines contributing to the economic growth of the country and enhancing GermanPhilippine relations, which is evident by the variety of those who attended the party. The elegant ballroom was tastefully decorated with meticulously arranged tables featuring exotic flower arrangements that focused on a mainstage made for Las Vegas nights.

The feature was hosted by Johnny Litton to commemorate a great man through song, jokes, dance, laughs and love.

Antoinette Matschuck during her speech

Frank Evaristo, Rosanna Pena, Nikki Jimenez, Robert Yupangco, Gunther Matschuck

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H. E. Rolando Alvarado Guevara, (Panama), H.E. Ritter Diaz (Amb. of Panama in Japan), Gunther Matschuck, Fortune Ledesma, Gel Cornelissen

Jinky Rabano, Sonia D Bermejo, Jenny Nardone, Agile Zamora, Merci Padolina, Georgette Wilson, Manette Agbayani, Anna Sia

Johnny Litton, master of the ceremony

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IN OTHER WORLDS

Joy & Wolfgang Regel, Dina Hourihan

Abe & Nini Licaros, JM, Mariliese Evaristo, Len Olbes

Abe & Nini Licaros, JM, Mariliese Evaristo, Len Olbes

JM, GM, Ito Curata, John Benjamin Schroeder

Connie Haw and Cherie Lou Ignacio

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Marissa Fenton and Yoli Ayson

Dr. Gunter Matschuck kicked off the night with a beautiful speech to address the guests and was followed by an array of The Philippines finest performers, a delicious 5 course meal, a beautiful cake by J Cuppacakes, and a special performance of Dr. Matschuck’s favorite song, “La Paloma”, sung and instruments played by his children, in-laws and grandchildren.

Among the performers were three young tenors, I baritoni, a dance arrangement from members of the Dancesport council of the Philippines, Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla and performers Michael Angelo Marquez, Stephanie Sabalo featuring a twist on a classical, latin dance number, a tango Samba and their rendition of a modern foxtrot. A lovely Soprano by the name of Kathy Mas gave a heartfelt cover of “La Vie en Rose,” in which women from the ballroom brought up flowers from the table arrangements to individually give Dr. Matschuck a flower. While George Sarakini & Chris Bam Angpin’s version of Elvis Presley primed the dance floor with the help of Lilybeth Garcia and the Marcy Band.

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IN OTHER WORLDS

Frank Evaristo, Rosanna Pena, Nikki Jimenez, Robert Yupangco, Gunther Matschuck

GM & JM with Mary Anne Estanislao & Rose Arroyo

Cynthia Reyes, Jane Umali, Lulu Boon, Nini Pinlac

Matschuck Family

Jonathan & Virn Gaytano, JM, Gaibe Bondoc, Vivian & Glenn Gaac

Evelyn Fraser and Jannette Visser

This beautiful party would not have been possible without the hard work and love of Dr. Matschuck’s beautiful wife, Joanne and her talented team, Director Del Custodio and Assistant Recardo Ignacio, as well as the Shangri-La team. n

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Welcomes SYLVIA ZAMORA teenagers and then as parents... We were all lucky to have practically seen our family age through the years and this is all with thanks to my dear Papå.

Even at his ripe old age of 70, he would walk around Manila with his Leica flung over his neck and shoot anything and everything he saw. Thus I... became him.

My love story with photography started apparently very early on. as a child of 3 or 4, I saw a picture of me holding a toy camera, sitting on a swing and holding on to that toy like it was made of gold.

And this is because of my dear Grandfather, a very distinguished doctor, who was the Dean of Medicine at the University of Sto. Thomas back in the days. He was an avid hobbyist photographer who even had his own darkroom in his home. He would take endless photos of everyone in the family, we are blessed to have a whole library of photos back to when he was still a young father, who took photos of his kids endlessly. Imagine me seeing a photo of my Mom at the age of 6 months old Circa 1925. Seeing photos of my Titas and Titos as young kids and

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At age 9 my Dad came home one night from a Christmas office party where he won a prize. I opened the box and lo and behold! it was an ultra-modern Kodak Instant 110 camera with built in flash! In the 70s, this was as high tech as can be! I begged and I pleaded and I begged, “Please, please can I have this?” Being the youngest of three, normally I would be the last choice right? But no, like it was meant to be... I had my first very own 110 Kodak Camera, ultra modern, ultra chic, as high tech as high tech as can be!! (hahahahahaha…) I should have kept that one, a super classic camera by now.

My high school graduation gift was of course, the real thing... a 35mm Nikon FM. Ohhhhh to this day, I still love that camera! It won me my first “On The Spot” photo contest with St. Scholastica’s College Manila and De La Salle College camera enthusiasts. It was judged by the prestigious Mr. Abiva, then the Camera Club of the Philippines President. We were a busload of college students, taken up to a very concealed jungle, a trek of hills and cliffs only to open up to this magical fountain that came out of nowhere, truly a hidden paradise sprung up right in front of our very eyes! Then, the administrator of the contest says: ”take out your cameras guys and gals, the contest begins... NOW!” A week or two after... the winners announcement came out, only 3 places to be won...

I won 1st AND 2nd place and an invitation to be a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines.

Graduation came and thus I faced the fear of the unknown... the real world is out there to face. I was lucky to be invited to be a second photographer from a guy I met through a friend’s friend who happened to own a studio and was a fresh graduate of photography from NYU. That started my love for portraits! Every single person I shot was just pure happiness for me. Working there was pure ecstasy, it wasn’t a job at all. It was a hobby where i was being paid at the same time, that’s happiness!

Then another opportunity came, I was asked if I wanted to be trained to be the FIRST FEMALE CAMERA PERSON for Marvel productions in Manila (Burbank Animation, Phil.) and because I so loved challenges, I took the bait and ended up 10 years in Animation, from Marvel Productions to working for Hanna-Barbera Phil. (Fil-Cartoons Inc.).

From Animation to Advertising: I joined Olbes, Ogilvy and Mather Philippines as their In-House Photographer and Commercial Photographer in Advertising. Then... another opportunity came knocking at my door. My cousin Irene Silos, CEO of Creative Response Inc. had a friend, Mr. Tony Gloria, CEO of Unitel Productions looking for any Female Photographer willing to be trained to be the FIRST FEMALE CINEMATOGRAPHER in Advertising.

I dove in and loved every single second, every single day doing TV Commercials and TV shows and most of all, savoring the challenges of being the Director of Photography.

It was and still is the best job ever! I thought I loved photography... but being Director of Photography was far beyond loving photography.

Being a Cinematographer is, was, and, always will be the best profession I’ve ever had in my lifetime! and then again this.... STREET PHOTOGRAPHY. I’m back in heaven again with photography!

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STREET

PHOTOGRAPHY manilaupmagazine.com

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

By SYLVIA ZAMORA

New York It is defined as: “photography conducted for art or enquiry that features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents within public places. ... Street photography does not necessitate the presence of a street or even the urban environment.”

Street Photography’s biggest hindrance is being SHY and holding oneself back because of it. If you are this person, get over it! Being shy will really get you nowhere! Keep in mind that you are shooting CANDID shots, thus, they don’t actually see you YET. And when they do see you and there is that angry face building up, Walk away or RUN is all I can say!!!

The basic question is, HOW do you do it?

First of all, it is definitely not a daunting task BUT it requires a QUICK EYE, a QUICK MIND & a QUICK DRAW to capture that moment. It is putting your artistic mind into OVERDRIVE, because you may lose that “Kodak Moment” in a flash.

FIRST rule of thumb is: DO NOT HESITATE! NEVER HESITATE! This is always my frame of mind when I’m out walking in the streets, because once you do then you lose it forever. I kick myself in the butt later on, for losing that trophy shot, simply because I waited and lost it.

REMEMBER, in street photography/portraiture, there is NO second chance. Random people portraiture you will never meet again, never see again, never capture again. So, my motto is, as Nike would say: “JUST DO IT”!!!

People shots are most interesting in their moments of vulnerability. This is when you capture the true emotions of man. You see creases of stress in their faces, or that unabated pure joy and happy smiles, or you can actually hear their minds wrangling with everyday mundane decisions going on in their brains, or you can vividly see the pain of those troubled hearts and sad lives.

In Street Portraiture, specially with CHILDREN, it can be a very touchy situation. In shooting children, who are always accompanied by their parents, I will ALWAYS ask permission first and introduce myself as a photographer. I then ask for their cell numbers and send them the photos immediately after. This is just to validate that you’re not a pervert or kidnapper and a hundred percent of the time, they profusely thank you for the beautiful photos. That, to me is instant gratification that always warms my heart.

LOOK, THINK, FRAME & SHOOT! SECOND rule is ALWAYS being AWARE of your surroundings.

Look people straight in the eye, hover and observe (like a stalker hahahaha!) AND anticipate people’s actions. By doing so, you almost KNOW what they would do next and there you are, camera on hand ready to capture that moment.

THIRD rule is: LOOK UP! You’ll be surprised how the world looks shooting up!

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With ADULTS, they’re actually harder to shoot when it’s a face to face shot. More often than not, I shoot without them knowing. But once discovered that the lens is facing their way, I either ask, put on that sweet smile or simply walk away. Most times when discovered, I walk away because I’ve lost the moment anyway.

We all know the best people photos are those that are candid. The best photos are those that attracted your attention to it in the first place, that split second photo in your head is what you want captured on film.

Thus… Be quick to the draw, BEFORE they can even react. Long before I start clicking away, that image has already been captured in my head. So in short, asking an adult for a photo is not always a good shot in the end.

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Luckily I live in New York, where ART is the heart and soul of this City, where people are too hectic and preoccupied to even notice a camera facing them. New Yorkers are hardly self conscious - they just go about doing their business and don’t care what’s going on around them. NYC the FASHION ICON, is where people dress up as they please, which makes shooting the weirdest of the weird or best of the best, is in abundance and always a pleasure to the artistic eyes.

STREET PORTRAITURE, as I call it, is where: you shoot people living their everyday mundane lives. Where you capture the “locals” of a city in their own abode and business. Where you see and feel the vibe of the streets from a fresh perspective and be that person out of the box. Where there are no restrictions unless you impose it upon yourself.

YOU are THE tool. The camera is only a thing, an instrument, an object wrapped around your fingertips. Your eyes and your vision are what create art. Get into peoples heart and soul and your photo will exude what others have never seen. THAT, for me is the GIST and the TRUE definition of STREET PHOTOGRAPHY! n insta: #sylviagzamora_photographer / fb: Sylvia Zamora

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FASHiON NEWS

LA FASHION WEEK

BY ART HEARTS

Designer: KENNETH BARLIS Photos by: Celia “Paparazzcel” Abuel

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FASHiON NEWS Designer: WILFREDO GERARDO

Designer: DANIEL’

Designer: OREN CASH

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FASHiON NEWS

Designer: SARMY Photos by:Joe Garcia 58

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HOW DO MILLENNIALS PERCEIVE

LOVE AND DATING?

Millennials are also known as Generation Y or Gen Y. Researchers typically use the early 1980s as starting birth years through the mid1990s and early 2000s as ending birth years. Millennials are sometimes referred to as “echo boomers” due to a major surge in birth rates in the 1980s and 1990s, and because millennials are often the children of the “baby boomers”.

We now live in a fast-paced world wherein everything depends on digital technology. We can just easily express and convey our feelings and thoughts to our family, friends and loved ones through e-mails, text messages, social media and just one phone call away. Despite of all of these, how do millennials perceive love and dating? How do they express their love compared to the older generations?

UK NA UK

We have three millenials who share their insights on this subject matter.

By ELA HIDALGO ISABELLE DAZA DE LEON (Philippine Actress/Recording Artist/ Award Winning Child Actress) “Before the digital age, people would write love letters to each other, poems, write songs or what you call “Harana”, they were a lot more romantic and sentimental.. And I think that’s just really sweet! But nowadays you’re just one DM (direct message) away on FB, instagram, etc., for me.” “In this fast paced world, The word LOVE gets easily thrown around these days, to be honest. ​For me, this is what Genuine Love is all about. No matter what generation you come from. Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

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MARIA LAROCO (X-Factor UK 2018/ The Voice Kids Philippines)

JOSHUA DE GUZMAN (Philippine Actor/ Cast of Maid in London)

“Things change from time to time, from generation to generation. Us, the ​“GenZ” (our subject Maria is younger and comes after Gen Y), a generation raised around the internet, loves to explore new things and what’s trending.

We see, think, and believe things our way.

Today’s generation celebrates occasions like Valentine’s mostly online. Everyone is just a text or call away and you do not have to travel miles to see them for we have “Video Calls”.

“In my opinion, “Millennials” celebrate Valentine’s Day just like an ordinary day, it’s not the kind of celebration as it was before that it needs a long preparation. Now, whether single or taken, we don’t mind celebrating it anywhere with anyone, either with bf/gf, Bffs, lovers or family. All we need to do is dress up, go to the best restaurants, take a selfie or groupie and post it to social media sites.”

When we do go out, we’d go to the mall for a movie, food tripping and we also love planning surprises for the people we love and cherish the most. Singing for your loved one, going out for a walk at the park to have ice cream and popcorn were some ways people celebrated before “​ GenZ”​. Both are different, sincere and unique in their own ways and it doesn’t matter how we celebrate it, big or small, we all celebrate things differently within our own perspectives and beliefs. It’s the person who you spend it with and you who is the meaning of Valentine’s, LOVE​.”

No matter what generation we are in, LOVE is the greatest gift we can give to our family and friends, not only on Valentine’s day but everyday. It does not matter how we show, express or convey love, either through the old generation’s way of “Harana” or via text/call/ email, as long as it is genuine.”

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ANA HOLDINGS PURCHASES STAKE IN PAL HOLDINGS MANILA AND TOKYO – ANA HOLDINGS INC. (ANA HD), parent of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-star airline for six consecutive years, will invest $95 million US dollars in PAL Holdings Inc. (PAL Holdings) and acquire 9.5% of PAL Holding’s outstanding shares. PAL Holdings is the parent of Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL).

ANA HD will acquire the shares from Trustmark Holdings Corporation, which is owned by the Lucio Tan family and is the largest shareholder of PAL Holdings.

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This purchase underscores ANA HD’s belief in the dynamism of the Asian region and the great potential of the Philippines’ multi-awarded flag carrier and its confidence that the Philippine air travel market will continue to serve as an economic leader for the ASEAN region.

Additionally, the investment by ANA HD heralds the dawn of a new era of growth for PAL, which has embarked on a full-scale expansion program that has seen its fleet and network grow to almost 100 aircraft and 80 destinations in four continents. This campaign has coincided with an emphasis on product transformation that saw PAL recognized recently as the World’s Most Improved Airline for 2019.

In line with the Mid-Term Corporate Strategy for FY2018-2022, the ANA Group is expanding its international group network, which is considered its main growth pillar, and strengthening its partnerships with foreign airlines to provide further convenience to its passengers.

Jaime J. Bautista, President of PAL Holdings and Philippine Airlines, said: “We are honored and excited that a premier airline group such as ANA HD has decided to purchase shares in PAL Holdings.

The Philippines and Japan have a long-standing relationship with complementary strengths. This week, in fact, we commemorate the 70th year of Philippine Airlines’ service to Japan, dating back to the launch of our first Manila-Tokyo flight on January 26, 1949. It is a great privilege to celebrate this historic occasion by strengthening our ties with ANA, as we aim to build a relationship that is mutually beneficial with an eye to a more progressive future.”

Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO of ANA HOLDINGS INC., said: “Asia is a key growth market and we believe Philippine Airlines is in an excellent operational position to capitalize on both

the strong uptick in air traffic growth as well as the vibrant, expanding Philippine economy. We look forward to expanding our business relationship with Philippine Airlines so we can continue to serve our passengers even better.”

PAL currently operates 84 flights weekly on 9 routes to Japan and ANA operates 14 flights weekly on 2 routes to the Philippines . The two carriers have codeshare operations on Japan - Philippine routes and domestic routes within Japan and the Philippines, linking a total of 16 Japanese and 11 Philippine destinations.

Completion of the investment is subject to certain closing conditions. n

LOVE BUS. Personnel at NAIA’s Terminal 2 give a “hearty” welcome to the 5th Airbus A350-900 of Philippine Airlines after its arrival from Toulouse last Feb. 20. The once familiar kissmark logo on the brand new A350 Love Bus celebrates the PAL-Airbus partnership spanning 40 years. The first PAL Love Bus --- an Airbus A300B4 aircraft that started flying in December 1979 --- was then a revolutionary widebody jet with just two engines.

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METRO SCENE

Photos Courtesy of Saga Prefectural Government

THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND TASTES OF SAGA JAPAN

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he Embassy of Japan and Saga Prefecture co-hosted a reception entitled “THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND TASTES OF SAGA” at the Ambassador’s residence.

Ambassador Koji Haneda and Governor of Saga Prefecture Yoshinori Yamaguchi welcomed Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III at the reception, as well as many guests from the Philippine film and broadcasting industries, and travel and food companies.

During the reception, Governor Yamaguchi promoted Saga, a prefecture which is located in the northern part of Kyushu, Japan. The guests enjoyed “Saga beef ”, which is well known in this prefecture.

Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and his spouse, Mrs. Cynthia A. Dominguez, who visited Saga Prefecture last fall, were appointed as Saga Prefecture Japan International Goodwill Ambassadors by Governor Yamaguchi at the reception, as witnessed by Ambassador Haneda.

Saga Prefecture is aiming for expansion of inbound tourism through the film commission in the Philippines.

It has been the shoot location of Filipino films, “This Time” in 2016 and “Hanggang Kailan?” which was released this month. As a surprise to the guests, Xian Lim and Louise Delos Reyes, who are the lead actors of “Hanggang Kailan?” attended the reception.

It is expected that the film commission industry in Saga Prefecture will progress and will further promote the human exchanges between the Philippines and Saga Prefecture. n

METRO SCENE

By JOY FONG

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METRO SCENE

Photos Courtesy of Embassy of Japan

Amb. Koji Haneda, Gov. Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Sec. Carlos Dominguez III

Gov. Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Mr. Xian Lim, Ms. Louise Delos Reyes

Gov. Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Mr. Xian Lim, Ms. Louise Delos Reyes, Mr. Aisaku Yokogawa

Amb. Koji Haneda, Mme. Ihoko Haneda, Sec. Carlos Dominguez III, Mrs. Cynthia Dominguez, Mr. Xian Lim, Ms. Louise Delos Reyes

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FASHION FEATURE

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FASHION FEATURE

KATHYRN MARINO CALIFORNIA Kathryn Marino is the Executive Producer of Orange County Fashion Week® the Orange County-based incentive agency, specializes in runway shows, sponsorship, branding, advertising and business retail tourism. The 5-Star destination site highlights the OC luxury lifestyle and offers strategic digital and broadcast media campaigns, incentive meetings, rewards, and event consultation with “creative instinct” for innovative social solutions for valuable incentives that bolster business, community relations, and long lasting alliances. Sponsors include Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy, Celebrity Cruises, Sephora South Coast Plaza, Badgley Mischka, Zo Obagi Skincare, Obag OC, Amazing Lash Studios, and the International Trade show Global Sources Fashion in Hong Kong.

Marino believes that successful corporate and civic partnerships, must be equally beneficial to the venue, the sponsors and the community at large. Only then is an event a true success and our mission complete. OC Fashion Week® dedicated to emerging designers worldwide and recognizing inner beauty awareness: supporting leaders in retail whose business models are distinguished for making a world of difference such as Egypt Ufele, the youngest designer endorsing an anti-bully campaign, and jewelry designer Danielle Poe whose earrings are dedicated toward a don’t judge - be kind campaign for autism awareness. n

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FASHION NEWS

Photos BY CELIA “PaparazzCel” ABUEL

Designer: Stephanie Ugochi Iwuaba

OC FASHION WEEK Photos by: Celia “PaparazzCel” Abuel Venue: AC Irvine, Destiny Yacht, Electra Cruises, The Resort Pelican Hill, Fete’ the Venue, Eternity Yacht

Dawn Sunflower’s Designs Chubii LIne

Designer: Melissa Pellone 66

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Photos BY CELIA “PaparazzCel” ABUEL

FASHION NEWS

Designer: JESSE J

Designer: VALERIE BARNEY manilaupmagazine.com

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FASHION NEWS

Photos BY CELIA “PaparazzCel” ABUEL

Designer: VANESSA LOSADA

Designer: VALERIE BARNEY

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Photos BY CELIA “PaparazzCel” ABUEL

FASHION NEWS

Designer: Llenuel Fro Designer: Perry Jones

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SEASON 2

KIMI VERMA

HOSTS

MELODY GARCIA

EFFE BARKER

Marc Anthony Nicolas

Gia NOORTAS

GRACE AGUILAR

KAt Iniba