WHAT'S IN A BAG?

A bag not only adds finishing touches to your look, but it also holds a huge chunk of our lives. Going though a bag of working moms like me, you’d see evidences of our multi-facet and busy life. My wallet, pen, keys, phone, and planner go hand in hand in keeping me up with my day to day agenda. A lone lipstick never goes lonely in the makeup purse we keep in the bag, as women usually carry more than just a few palettes of eye makeup, blush, and lipstick. Beyond face value, I also keep a bottle of perfume or cologne, a comb and a brush, hair iron, handkerchief, a headset, and phone charger. A mother hen never falls short in bringing band aids, all-cure balm, anti-mosquito repellent stickers, hand sanitizer, and a pack of sweets all ready for her little tot. Just like any other girl scout, women come prepared for any kind of occasion, meeting, or emergencies that may surprise us within the day.

Nowadays, the bag industry is flourishing and becoming more dynamic, as the demand for unique stylized bags increases.

Fascinating texture, color, material, and patina are just few aspects that determine the quality of bags. One can pick from the distinguished patterns and size of bags, depending on the requirement and function. There is a wide variety of bags to choose from, and we hear men complaining about women spending too much time (and money) in selecting the perfect bag. Beyond labels, men have yet to know more about the functions of each type of bag and what goes best with it. Boyfriends get lost in a bag-cabulary of this fashion fixation, with a cloud of names categorized as shoulder bag, clutch, handheld bag, tote, messenger bag, backpack, envelope bag, wristlet, evening bag, hobo, and so on. 

While every accessory should compliment our getup, being familiar with the kinds of bags will help in the selection process. One of the considerations to keep in mind, aside from the purpose and function, is your body type. Just like any dress, not all bags are made for every woman. A bag can either make or break your outfit. It’s best to choose the ones that will accentuate your best areas and hide the awkward looking ones.

Women who are top and shoulder heavy are better off using satchels or bags with long handles, as these will drive away attention from your chest and shoulders. If the intention is the opposite, short handled bags or clutches would be the perfect choice.

Big totes, funky details, and bags of average strap length are for those gifted with a slim waist. Bags that are levelled off to the midriff or hips are definitely a no-no to females with wide hips and waist, as they will attract attention to the unsightly features you’d wish to hide.

Looking a bit taller is easy with long and lanky bags that go with your color motif. Oversized totes can make a woman look shorter, while clutches or tiny bags can make one look bigger. Plus size women should keep away from tiny patterns.

When you shop for handbags, try them on and carry them like you would normally while you check the look from all angles in front of the mirror.

If you wish to splurge on an expensive bag, make sure you’ll choose the kind that’s durable, something that you will be able to wear for any event. Spending hundreds of thousands of Pesos is no sin if you can afford it, just as long as you’d still be able to put food on the table after the shopping spree. If you’re going for inexpensive ones, go for the classic everyday bag in either black or brown. For affordable funky styles, I suggest a trip to Parfois.

Perfect for working moms.

Parfois is a women's fashion accessories brand with over 300 stores in 38 countries. Keeping up with the news, their design teams in Porto and Barcelona has just launched their new Fall Winter collection, inspired by three major trends: the Victorian, the Wild West, and the Army look.

While the brand also sells shoes, accessories, sun glasses, watches, and scarves, I pay more attention to their bag collection as they have the most intricate designs and style, even for the classic and multifunctional ones. Parfois has long been creating beautifully structured, wearable, and affordable bags. Every bag in their collection is both chic and stylish, highlighting functionality as a key element in accentuating a woman’s wardrobe. 

Multi-functional bags. I like!

In my recent trip to their shop, I chose a gray speedy bag with a red colored handle. My love for everything Parisienne is evident in this choice as the bag came with puppy detail tied on a tag. It has interchangeable short and long straps, adding versatility to the bag which can be worn across the body or on the shoulder, or simply just hand held. There is enough space inside for all my beauty and office essentials. It can also pass off as an office bag, when I pull out the dog detail from the tag. For weekends with my mall-rat of a daughter, I keep the dog detail on tote to give my getup a younger feel.

Puppy on tote. My newest speedy from Parfois.

For more selections on bags, visit the Parfois store in SM City Davao and Abreeza-Ayala Mall.  You can also check new items on their website via http://www.parfois.com/index.php?id=101.  They are soon to open more shops in different malls around the country, with bigger space for bag display, promising excess bag-gage for every bag hag.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 147, 26 September 2012.

CABIN CREW

Flight attendants are the face of hospitality for each airline company. They are the warm smiles that welcome you when you board the airplane, greeting you with a friendly chat or a jovial “hello.” To most people, a flight attendant reflects the glamour of air travel, and becoming one will open doors to globe trotting, international alliance, and a worldly lifestyle. This is the most common notion people have of this profession, and many long to be part of this “elite” and cosmopolitan mix of young professionals.

This prestigious line of work calls for innovative forward thinkers, who, by nature, are also travel hungry explorers --- quick to respond to guest’s needs and have the patience of a mother with its mission to tirelessly exceed customer expectations.

Their job is not just defined to police passengers and make sure they follow regulations, but also to provide assistance with food, drinks, safety, and all other essentials for and precautions in flying.

Reality, however, goes beyond a flight attendant’s pleasing façade built in a snappy chic uniform. Not to mean that they’re anti-social, inhospitable, and hostile, but the life of a flight attendant is really not as glorious and elegant as it may seem underneath the layers of makeup and programmed poise.

The influx of budget airlines and promo fares these recent times have added more meticulous guests onboard whose needs flight attendants have to tend to, detail by detail. No two days are ever the same for a cabin crew. Everyday is a different destination, a different set of passengers, and a whole new wave of characters and wishes to look after. While working long hours at any given day, even Sundays, flight attendants have tele-cine worthy lives to worry about in their hometown. Yet these woes and problems are hidden by their smiles and generosity to everyone onboard. I’d say they deserve more appreciation for their hard work, as these individuals, for all we know, travel continents just to provide and secure a future for their family. Each has a story to tell, yet concealed underneath layers of foundation and lipstick.

Take the life of 28 year old Jessica Patricio, the latest addition to the breed Filipino flight attendants. This Davaoeña will be one of the faces who will represent the Philippines to passengers flying via Qatar Airways.

Jes is a certified nurse who took side jobs as a model, as she embraced the responsibilities of a single mother. Her eyes and winsome smile won her a role in a shampoo advertisement alongside actress / TV star Angelica Panganiban. She became a regular on the runway and her face became more popular after series of fashion shoots with reputable photographers in Davao City.

“I knew being a flight attendant is not easy job. I didn’t know how to live every single day of my life not seeing my son. What I used to make in this town was not enough to secure a good future for him, and I intend to give him all that he needs to achieve his hopes and dreams. This job opportunity with Qatar Airways is something that I’ve contemplated on for a long time. I weighed the pros and cons. After months of thinking, and after I got the letter of acceptance from the company, I summed up my courage and embraced this new undertaking in life.”

“This will be a different adventure for me, and this is something I am not doing for myself alone. This is for my child. I think of my child’s future with every customer I meet. I may have to deal with hundreds of personalities each day, but no amount of sweat can ever equal to the fulfillment I feel whenever I am able to provide for the son. I try to communicate with him as much as I can, reminding him of his promise to do good in school, and of how much I love him. Being far and out of touch is such a huge sacrifice, but I know my son understands the reason why I took this job. He is the sole reason why I am driven to do better at work, and to be stronger whenever I’d feel homesick and stressed out. In a way, I get to share the wonders of this world to him. Whenever we talk, I tell him the places I’ve been to, and how I will strive hard to have a little more than enough to be able to take him around the globe in the future.”

-credits-

Model: Jessica Patricio

Photographer: Paul Borromeo

Location: Leadfoto Studios

Stylist: Meghann Patricia Sta. Ines

Makeup Artist: Melody Ross Tinoy (http://makeupbymeloi.wordpress.com/)

Clothes: MAGS
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A4, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 142, 19 September 2012.

MARCO POLO DAVAO: FIT FOR ROYALTY

Philippine Tatler's 2012 Seal of Excellence magazine insert

Just sharing some good news!

Marco Polo Davao is part of the special magazine insert in Philippine Tatler's September 2012 issue! It's the only city hotel featured in this set, which also happens to be the magazine's anniversary issue. Many thanks to Lynn Palma and Alessandra Salita. Happy 11th Anniversary, Philippine Tatler! 

Here's the feature story as published on pages 15 and 16.
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FIT FOR ROYALTY 

Having busy seaports, pristine beaches, bustling business centres and progressive economic policies, vibrant Davao City is considered the premier business, tourism and investment hub in southern Philippines.

It is little wonder then that Marco Polo Hotels, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wharf, a Hong Kong-listed group that has extensive interest in property, container terminal and communications, has chosen a prime spot in the area to call home.

Marco Polo Hotels uses the strategy of establishing first-class luxury hotels in gateway cities that have developing infrastructure and growing economies in the Asia Pacific region. It has 12 properties in its portfolio with the strategic goal of managing 20 hotels in the region by 2015; therefore becoming a forerunner in hotel management in Asia.

Only 20 minutes away from the Davao International Airport and located in the heart of the business and commercial district is one of its properties that embody the essence of its elegance, warmth and modernity. This 245-room international hotel boasts of elegant ballrooms and function rooms, five fine restaurants and bars, and an urban resort called The Deck, which features a 25-meter pool, the Lazuli Spa, Fitness Center, Polo Bistro, and Pool Lounge.

The tallest building in the city allows its guests to choose from variety of immaculate and well-appointed rooms suited to their budget and needs. The Continental Club guests can use the lounge where they can enjoy personalized amenities, butler services, and complimentary refreshments. The hotel has twelve function rooms and ballrooms for functions requiring space good for 16 people or 600, all supervised by dedicated banquet managers who will meticulously attend to your every need. And, of course, guests appreciate the variety of restaurants, from the buffet at Café Marco to the fine Cantonese cuisine at the Lotus Court, and the Polo Bistro. For informal gatherings, you can visit the Lobby Lounge or Eagles Bar for a cocktail or two. Last but not least, guests can either jump-start their day or unwind at the end of it at the Fitness Center, in the swimming pool, or the tranquil Lazuli Spa.

Featuring modern Asian architecture, soothing ambience and personalized signature treatments, Lazuli Spa is a favourite of both guests and locals alike. Guests can enjoy Asian or European massages whose massage oils are scented with ylang-ylang, lemongrass or virgin coconut, or treatments that use fresh products such as Davao’s coffee beans and rice, papaya, and pineapple or clay from the foot of Mt. Apo. Each treatment here offers a singular experience.

In 2007 and 2009, Marco Polo Davao won the prestigious award of the Hotel of the Year, besting its other sister hotels in Cebu, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Offering its consistent hotel customer service shown in all its surveys, the hotel has reinforced its position as the top tier hotel in the City of Bloom. “As we all know, we measure each hotel on the basis of many indicators such as guest satisfaction, financial achievements, and marketing strategies, to name a few. Marco Polo Davao demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in its service and operations,” said Marco Polo Hotels President Eric Waldburger.

Besides its luxury amenities and excellent customer service, the Marco Polo Davao prides itself on its policies and strategies that bear in mind the environment. Because of this, it has won the ASEAN Green Hotel Award in 2010. The award recognizes outstanding efforts made by the hotel for environmental sustainability and energy conservation. It has been given to several other hotels in the Philippines, but this is the first green “light” for a city hotel in Mindanao. “We are very happy with this recognition of our efforts in improving and maintaining the environment-friendly strategies and policies of the Hotel,” General Manager Bruno Simeoni said.

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Reference: Pages 15 and 16, 2012 Seal of Excellence magazine insert, Philippine Tatler magazine, September 2012

TRAVELING IN PERSONALIZED STYLE

This year, Havaianas will take you through a colourful and exciting tour back to where it all started. As the brand celebrates its 50^th anniversary, Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 is geared to be the most special one yet. Havaianas will let you experience this through Make Your Own Havaianas’ exhibit. The Havaianas story is told through a blaze of color and fashion, showing how Havaianas paved the way for flip-flops to become a respected style statement the world over.

Havaianas beauties Kelly Misa and Patty Laurel with their colorful personalized havaianas.

Who would have thought that the fabulous Ruffa Guttierez would kick off her
heels for a pair of Havaianas?

Victor Basa drops by at the MYOH event with his coolest and newly customized Havaianas pair--- white studded straps and blue top soles.

“We believe that every Havaianas pair that you own has a story to tell. And all those stories combined from our fervent supporters play a big part in the brand’s history. For this reason, Make Your Own Havaianas will not just be a branding event where they can design their own pair, but a gathering that will honor everything that contributed in making the brand what it is now,” shares Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines.

ETC's Kim Jones is fashionably stunning with her newly customized havaianas pair --- baby blue top soles with letters and crystal studs on orange straps.

Ms. Tessa Prieto Valdes smiles with a havaianas staff.

In true Havaianas fashion, self expression has never been this chic with its thirteen special pins that speak volumes of its heritage. The happiness, 1962, Brasilipinas, soccer ball, and crown designs among others, all trace back to its roots in Brazil. 

Celebrate havaianas 50th anniversary through estampas soles.

Be fashionable as you can express your style with pins.

Embellish these on soles that run the vibrant spectrum of the rainbow: from a pop rose, to an ice violet, and lemon green, to exclusive Make Your Own Havaianas estampas sole, these all remind you of the beautiful bursts of sunshine on a warm summer day.

Personalize your style and take part in the Make Your Own Havaianas experience, happening in Abreeza-Ayala Mall from September 14 to 16, 2012.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 137, 12 September 2012.

ECO CHIC

The aftermath of the typhoon and flash floods from months past saw thousands in distress. The scenes in the calamity-stricken areas were far too depressing. Fear and weariness were the usual faces we saw in the news, reminding us of the consequences we all suffer from taking our world for granted.

There is no better time to be more concerned for our environment than today. The call of nature, taking it literally, seeks the attention and commitment of every individual in joining this movement to save the environment.

I personally take this movement as a passage / story similar to the Prodigal Son. For years, we have wasted our world with our indulgence and careless living. Now, having experienced devastation and dearth, we take a humble journey back home, to give back the love and care to Mother Nature.

High Society. Monica Floirendo, Marga Montemayor-Nograles, Marissa Tionko.

Bringing this issue closer to the heart of the modern women (fashionistas, to be exact), I’d have to say that showing love to Mother Nature isn't only limited to wearing printed shirts that scream of your environmental stance, nor by donning a floral or nature inspired clothes. Being eco-friendly doesn’t just require grand gestures. Even small efforts go a long way. To quote the famous line in the Milo TV commercial, we have to believe that “great things start from small beginnings.”

Fashion blogger Cheyser Pedregosa (The Walking Recessionista)

Less than three months ago, Davao took a bold move by banning the use of plastics in the city, to answer the growing concern over the damage plastic bags cause to our environment.

Fashion blogger Kristine Villano (Kweshie Doodles)

In support of this regulation, Davao City’s home grown clothing and lifestyle brand, SOUL Lifestyle, took the big leap beyond fashion and style. The brand launched its environmental campaign entitled Love Sustainable Style, and produced about 10,000 eco-chic reusable bags which will be used as packaging for every shopper’s purchase.

Zee Magazine's Marissa Tionko 

Reusable bags score points with smart shoppers because these are convenient, durable, easy to store and fold, and trendy. In a way, people actually put recycling ethos and significance to their shopping with these reusable bags, which can last several trips to the grocery and clothing shops.

Fashion blogger Gayle Royeca (Your Living Mannequin)

Along with the support of top fashion bloggers and high profile ambassadors, SOUL seeks to spread its advocacy of Sustainable Style to all its shoppers by giving out a 10peso rebate for each purchased item every time a shopping bag is reused. To seal this campaign, the first peso for every ecochic bag goes to an enviro-fund that will help support green projects in Davao.

Chiche Alejandre

This is an inexpensive breakthrough which can be adopted by many without making so much effort. The small alteration we do in our shopping tradition will definitely benefit the earth in the long run. Likewise, we take part in promoting a cleaner world and in educating the world about environmental awareness. This will eventually result to a dramatic impact on our Earth’s longevity, making this world a better place to live in for generations to come.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 132, 05 September 2012.  

VISUAL IMPACT

The candy colored hair, his sweet nonchalance to easy to sell art, and the comfy printed loose shirt are probably what set Aidx Paredes apart from his class. He is definitely no ordinary student. A peek in his bag will somehow tell you the busy life this lad has. Between scribbles and doodles in his trusty planner and note pad are few anecdotes from his own light bulb moments.

                                                                          

Legally 18, Adriane Augustine “Aidx” Paredes is an established photographer and graphic artist. A young blood with a photographer’s eye, the colourful imagination of a painter, and the creativity of a writer and stylist… In fashion, he’s probably what you’d call the jack of all trades.

Aidx began his love affair with photography at the age of 12. He took portraits of classmates and friends. Using a 4-megapixel camera, he found his visual style by experimenting on different angles, framing, and exposures. Eventually he became hooked to this hobby, used it as a form of expression, and moved on to taking pictures of different subjects. Books and articles posted online were his friendly tools in learning more about the craft.

“I compared my photos with those that were done by professionals, and I tried to figure out what’s wrong in my photos or how I could improve it. Practice makes perfect. It took a lot of trials and errors, but that’s part of learning. You learn by mistake. The video portals on the internet gave me an opportunity to see how professionals achieve a certain effect. While it served me well in honing my skills, at the end of the day, I knew no one can ever mimic the style of others. Just like beauty, I’d like to think photography is in the eyes of the beholder. You should let your visual style shine through your art.”

At 15, he started blogging and used it as his form of photo diary. “I am a frustrated writer. So I post my little poems and ideas there, and complemented them with my photos. I try to blog as much as I can, as there is so much I want to share with everyone. As long as I have eyes to see, I don’t think I will ever stop taking pictures. I find metaphors in everything I see and feel.”

A self-effacing achiever, Aidx moved on to fashion photography and made his debut as a professional photographer at the age of 17. He began a beautiful friendship with the creative team of SOUL Lifestyle, a home-grown clothing brand, and his career took off with the launch of the brand’s billboard. “Then, I just saw it. Photographed by Aidx Paredes. Hehe, “ he quips. From then on, he has been collaborating with SOUL for their billboards and ad boards.

To supplement his budding career, he embarked on a one man exhibit in January 2012, amply entitled “The Edge of Seventeen.” He showcased his collection of fashion photos from the past 2 years. It was attended by fellow photographers, who had, early on, taken notice of this young blood’s potentials and unique style. Aidx earned accolades even from entrepreneurs and professional artists.

Aidx got another big break with his recent appointment as the new layout / graphic artist for Zee Magazine, a society magazine based in Cebu and distributed nationwide.

“Photography, art, fashion… This is my niche. And I am comfortable with who I am and the kind of work that I’m doing. I get to enjoy being young and professional at the same time. It’s like having the best of both worlds.”

When asked on what it takes to be a successful photographer, Aidx has only this to say: “Do not be afraid to experiment. Take risks. Break the rules. You can master all the techniques, but it is your personal style that will make you shine. Be confident. Don’t be afraid of criticisms… These are only words of advice given in a little rude way. You’ll eventually learn to swallow them all and learn from them.”

Check out http://aidxparedes.com/ for more about Aidx Paredes, his art, and portfolio.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol5 Issue 130, 2-3 Sept 2012.