AGNES LOCSIN'S "PUNO"

Just days after launching her book (Philippine Neo-Ethnic Choreography), Agnes Locsin makes another mark as a choreographer with her recently concluded dance concert entitled “Puno: Ang Pangatlong Galaw.”

 The “Alay sa Puno” series is a dance composition that explores the literal, physical, and symbolical virtues of texture and strength, garnered from the tree trunks that bear the weight of life.  

Her third installment for this series focused on hard and redwood trees such as the Apitong, Yakal, Tugas, Kamagong, Mangkono, Bagtikan, Caimito, Lechiyas and Bayabas trees --- all of which are found mostly in the vanishing forests of the Philippines.  

Typical of an Agnes Locsin choreographed piece, the neo-ethnic style that is widely recognized as, solely, her own, she depicted the multifaceted essence and soul of these trees through bold and intense movements to illustrate their strength amidst the fight from extinction.

Award winning dancers, Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez, took center stage and gave life to this visual tribute. 

Their lithe bodies were flexed to strong defensive stances and powerful pelvic contractions, alongside revolutionary and techno-rock rhythms. 

Gaye and Georgette channelled themselves into the different aspects of the tree, in multiple portrayals as seen through chapters Tumbang Troso, Bahay-Bahayan, Nakatagong Lakas, Hubog na Dagta, Ugat na Malawak, Kasariang Nakabalot, Armas na Magiting, Bawal Kang Tumubo, Bunong Braso, and Saan Kita Hahanapin.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
Pages 15 and 18, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol.5 Issue 107, 01 Aug 2012

COVER GIRL

All three photos were shot for Cosmopolitan Magazine.
(Photo files courtesy of Karina Cabiling. Photo stitch by Meg for Scene It)

At first glance, you’d think she’s Nicole Scherzinger of the popular singing group, Pussycat Dolls. To some, she looks like Kim Kardashian.

Photo by Paul Borromeo 
of LeadFoto Studios

Karina Cabiling may be the lookalike of so many celebrities from different parts of the globe. Nevertheless, this 23 year old Davaoeña has made a name for herself on her own merits, and not for her semblance to someone famous. She has graced the pages of premier glossies, and has sashayed on the runway in creations by stellar designers such as Michael Cinco and staple brands of international leverage. She is one of the few Davaoeñas who has captured the interest of meticulous talent scouts in Manila, and, to date, she continues to bloom alongside a promising career as a professional ramp and print model.

Karina is beauty, with brains to boot. She juggles go see’s, rehearsals, photo shoots, and runway projects with her lectures and books in school. While some people would skip college degree to pursue their dreams, Karina is not one to let education slip out of her life. At this time, she is just steps away from claiming her diploma on Tourism Management. “Modelling has opened a lot of doors for me to earn, meet people, and appreciate the wonders of fashion. I love my job. In a way, it helps put me to school. I don’t see it as an easy way out of school just to earn money. I think I’ll do better with my career by accomplishing a fulfilled persona, well equipped with knowledge and valued experience.”

Photo by Ayie Hernandez

The family oriented upbringing and her level headedness are probably the catalysts to her surmounting success at such an early age.

Born and raised in Davao, no one in her family had any clue she’d end up in modelling. Little Karina was a shy one, though she did enjoy singing and gave it her best try. “I soon realized singing didn’t like me as much as I found it fulfilling. So, I resorted to doing private concerts in the shower every morning,” she quips.

She took the trajectory from coy to confident when she was introduced to a talent scout back in high school. Modelling was something she never did before, but a few stints here and there boosted her confidence and helped develop her flair to parade in front of a crowd. Her statuesque figure, standing tall at 5’9, accentuated by her mesmerizing eyes and cheshire cat smile, stood out from the crowd. The cameras seemed to agree, too. She became the favorite subject of top portrait photographers, and under the tutelage of Jon Nuñez, manager of Glam Model House, she made her breakthrough with print ads for a few notable brands.

From print to ramp. Modelling for Lulu Tan Gan (image on the left) and doing the ramp for celebrated Filipino designers. (Photo files courtesy of Karina Cabiling. Photo stitch by Meg for Scene It)

Photo published in Metro Weddings magazine.
(Photo file courtesy of Karina Cabiling)

Clever and observant minds once pointed out that she could be the perfect candidate to represent Davao in the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant. Notwithstanding her appreciation for such complement, she decided to take the bold move to Manila in her late teens to advance her modelling career. With her brave heart, she summed up her all courage to face the dog eat dog world and diligently showed up in all go see’s. She blended in the industry with much ease, putting her self-taught skills to good use. Opportunities came from left and right, and soon she became a regular for top billed fashion events such as The Philippine Fashion Week. The rest is history.

(Photo file courtesy of Karina Cabiling)

As published in Metro Magazine.
(Photo file courtesy of Karina Cabiling)

Then again, maybe not. Karina has yet to fill more pages in her book. After all, she is only in her early twenties. What she has achieved now is equivalent to a milestone for those in her generation.

Karina discloses, “Anyone aspiring to be someone should first, and foremost, embrace herself. You should realize that you won’t get what you want unless you'll give it a try.”

For a person looking for thin-spiration, Karina shares how she has maintained her figure and glow throughout the years. “Healthy diet, workout, and happy thoughts. Sun block is essential in protecting your skin, but the real key to a natural and healthy glow is, simply, a positive outlook.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol. 5 Issue 102, 25 July 2012

HIJOS DE DABAW BALL 2012

Contrary to the perception of Hijos de Dabaw as an exclusive association, the organization has progressed in nature over the years, opening its doors to the new generation of Dabawenyos with much grandiose in the form of an annual ball.

In celebration of its tradition, the Dabawenyos gathered for a night of merry making on the feast day of Davao City’s patron saint, San Pedro. 

he annual Hijos De Dabaw Ball turned up a series of terno-clad belles and suave looking men in barong, who were selected to dance the Rigodon de Honor. 

The rest of the attendees, personalities and individuals from a wide cross section of government, business, media and social circles, also paraded in their cocktail best attire and winning smiles.

I was told that first timers are supposed to come in terno, even if they won't be joining the dance. So, here's what I wore to the event. Thanks to my good friend, Apple Chua.

Brothers Robbie and Carlo Aguilar

Amylou Aarts

Soccorro Medina-Estanislao, the organization’s current president, presented this year’s muse, Angela Soriano Diano, and her escort, Jiolo Velez. 

The event was hosted by Arch. Michael Ebro Dakudao.

This year's muse Angela Soriano Diano, in a creation by Rajo Laurel.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
Pages A2 and A3, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol.5 Issue 97, 18 July 2012.

TRENDSPOTTING (JUL 2012)

Photo from Flaunt Chic

It has always been a habit of mine to start each month with a glimpse of the latest in style. Fashion glossies are constant page turners for a fashiononymous like me, who finds inspiration from style dictators and channels each look through multiple ventures on cyberspace and other trend hubs.

I know some of you are also in transit to next season’s wardrobes and must haves. So, I here I am, drawing you a layman’s guide to what’s in and Lookbook-worthy, as I flip through one style manual at a time. 

Layout by Meg for Metro Mom and Scene It (Copyright 2012).
Sources: Extreme Finds, StyleBible.PH, Nikita Accessories, and Flaunt Chic.

1. Brace yourself

They seem to be a rehash of the friendship bracelets I used to see in school back in the 90’s. Remember those yarn twistables you exchanged with close friends? These braided beauties have found their place in the fashion scene as they are given a modernized touch with anything glittery and hippie. Accessory designers have drawn inspiration from this and even modified it to become necklaces made out of carefully spliced clothing patterns and a few other pantones.

2. Knit one, purl two.

Doily patterns are in, and not only with clothing. From saccharine colors of French macarons to pop hues, these yarn-wrapped and crocheted accessories are the juxtaposition of dainty and fancy.

3. For the love of prints

Reviving retro look are paisley prints in women’s clothing. These are nostalgic prints that go all the way from the 1960’s. At first glance, the print looks like a teardrop, or the shape of the kidney, to some. Now on its comeback, it takes a cross between the classy and the hippie inspired styles on the high street. You’d see them on pantsuits, dresses, and blouses, adding enigma to your outfit as onlookers swirl their eyes away.

Another style that is making its comeback are the Renaissance prints. The Old World transcends to the modern cosmos with much decadence and opulence in prints, beading, embellishments, and rich colors. From velvety feel and intricate beading, to gold and black accents, these trademark élan of the Renaissance period now has streetified renditions in coats, tops, and dresses, a new slang for the legendary Marie Antoinette style.

4. Olympian glam

London Olympics a-calling, sports luxe has taken its place in the fashion arena with glamorized sweatpants, shapely shorts showing more skin, and stylized baseball jackets. A cheat guide to the finish line would be the sports savvy spread of Preview’s June issue, with Anne Curtis, Georgina Wilson, Isabellle Daza, Liz Uy, and Solenn Heussaff on the cover. Better yet, hit on the Youtube link again and get a refresher course of their version of the Call Me Maybe video.

5. Towering heights

These are shoe-business of those who dare. The likes of Camille Co and Laureen Uy are seen wearing color-blocked heels and heel-less wedge. Consider these as the new generation of the ladylike pumps.

6. Flirty Skirty

Peplum adds some sexiness and elegance to your make your simple attire. You can spend less hours accessorizing by wearing a peplum dress / top / skirt, as you’d already have ruffles attached to your waist, just enough to draw attention to yourself.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A2 and A3, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol.5 Issue 92, 11 July 2012.

ACCESSORIES DU JOUR

Cristina “Tina” San is actually a friend of my friend’s friend. Connect the dots, if you please.

Her name never really rang a bell to me until I stumbled on her Facebook page where she sells her fabulous hand-made accessories. At first glance, one would be tempted to buy every piece she has posted in her page. Sometimes, before one could even type in “hm (abbreviation for how much)?” in the comment space, she’d update each photo caption with SOLD, repeatedly, all the way to the last item in the album. Everything sells like pancakes. Ironically, it came to my luck that she only sells one piece per design. My purse had let out a sigh of relief at this revelation, as it would not be depleted to a smaller size given the unavailability of my choices in Tina’s stock room. Whew. Another triumph for Shopaholics Anonymous.

Her considerably priced creations are modified versions of designer gems you can buy in any high end boutique. Tina finds inspiration for trends like bibs, bejewelled scarves, chunky layered beads, and many more. She never fails to amaze me and my stylist/ photographer-friend, Ayie, with her great eye for style. Her accessories have become conversation pieces, as well as inspirations for fashion shoots here and there. We’ve always wondered how she puts together elaborate and intricate patterns, without the aid of a professional artist.

Tina shares the back story of her accessory line, Tinitch Accessories. “I have always loved working with my hands, doing all sorts of arts and crafts. I started making my own accessories back when I was 18 yrs old. They were much simpler in design. Mostly wooden beads and nylon strings.”

“I got hooked to designing jewelries when my friend asked me to recreate an expensive necklace she saw in a mall. What started as a hobby of combining beads, cords, and semi-precious gemstones for friends and family, eventually became a successful and creative venture that drew interest from many jewelry lovers.”

Tina yearned for a formal training in this craft, but found the internet as a better source of techniques and how to’s. “I wanted to join workshops but didn't have the time. I just learned on my own through online tutorials in YouTube. I get my inspiration online, surfing websites like Etsy and Pinterest. Fashion blogs also stimulates the creative juices in me. I love browsing though outfit posts, checking out different ways of matching clothes with accessories. My list of style icons include names of stylists and fashion bloggers local and US based fashion mavens such as Camille Co, Aisa Ipac, Kryz Uy, Rachel Zoe, and Daphne Guinness.”

From personal flair to a full-blown brand, I’d say Tinitch Accessories exemplifies Tina’s individuality and style. Friends describe her as funny, eccentric and unpredictable. Her fashion style is more on the subtle side. She follows trends, but sticks to the basics. She puts emphasis on one piece of clothing, making it stand out to establish a statement look. I guess this is where her accessories come in handy.

“I never work by set, nor do I work along the usual method of putting up a whole collection. Inspirations come in from left and right, and I make and upload whatever pops in my head. A simple pendant necklace takes 5 to 10 minutes to produce. A beaded chain necklace can be finished in 30 minutes. A sewn beaded necklace with an intricate design can take long hours.”


Nevertheless, hard work and endurance paid off. Her wounded fingers have created masterpieces that graced newspapers and magazines. 

photo by: Rap Yu from ArtMovement Studios

photo by: Rap Yu from ArtMovement Studios

Celebrity endorsers like Solenn Heussaff wore creations by Tinitch Accessories in fashion shoots (photos of which were featured in different publications), as well as TV shows.

The beautiful Solenn wears Tinitch! Thanks to Eric Poliquit! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Poliquit-as-a-Stylist/195223820491691 and Paulo Castro

Tina’s accessories even graced the aisle of a friend’s wedding. She dedicated one of her most elegant designs for her bestfriend’s bridesmaids in a wedding back in January. 

Tina wore one of her hand-made earrings to her best friend's wedding.

“I don’t have an assistant. I do everything on my own. What I do is fun and fulfilling, but it’s also bloody laborious. This is the reason why I am taking baby steps in going all out with my accessory line."

"I dream of putting up my own store one day, but for now, I'm happy with my online store. I don’t pay for extra fees and rent. I can take your store wherever I want and check on it 24/7.”

Visit the Facebook page of Tinitch Accessories to see more of Tina’s works. For orders, you may call or text her at 0917-7078462.


All photos courtesy of Tina San.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
Page 15, A1 of INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 87, 04 July 2012.