WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN

We’ve already gone past the love month, and yet a huge population is still making love trend all over cyberspace like it’s February 14 all over again. Notwithstanding the fact that we have quite a number of June weddings to celebrate, we also have to thank Brad Pitt for firing up romance among netizens who shared the transcript of his declaration of love to Angelina Jolie (shortly after the latter’s mastectomy). Not only did his confession earned him gazillion pogi points among fans, it also made us recognize the fact that even the most macho of all can possess such gentility, limitless patience, and undying love for his partner.  

I, for one, was deeply touched when I read the Hollywood star’s statement. I do admire men who come out in the open and express love and devotion to their partner. It’s a relief to know that there are still many them who exist in our world today, and I’m more than grateful to have snagged one for myself. I also find comfort in the fact that my gal pals have found a good man in their better half. I guess, regardless of time and age, we girls still hope and pray to find our own prince charming. Some would even “Google” for one. 

When you find love, you hope that it lasts forever. Each year poses different challenges and triumphs, and you try to make life lovelier and sweeter by the day. Marriage is not easy, most would say. You really have to work at it.  

This thought popped into mind the upcoming 20^th wedding anniversary of my photographer-friend Paul and his wife Nina. This pair is one of the many I consider as power couples who have triumphed through the test of time. I describe Paul and Nina as cool, hip, spontaneous, and far from boring. This couple started dating when they were 16 years old, got separated and reunited after 8 years, and have remained strong and together even two decades after.

 

 

Listening to Paul’s narration of their love made me feel like a little kid again, on those nights that I’d listen to fairytales with my face propped on my hands and my elbows on my pillow. 

“Our courtship was akin to something which may be considered spontaneous. When Nina came home from the USA in 1992, she lived and worked in Manila. I would go and visit her every month and she would come to Davao whenever there was an opportunity to do so. Being so close and yet still apart made us take the leap of faith. We got married on June 26, 1993 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon at San Pablo Parish.”  

“It was an afternoon wedding. My maternal grandmother came from Bacolod to attend the wedding. She was accompanied by majority of my mom’s brothers and sisters, as well as the siblings of my father. My mom comes from a fairly large family of 16 brothers and sisters. It was an intimate party with just our immediate family, aunts, uncles, and cousins around. The wedding was celebrated by Archbishop Antonio Mabutas, concelebrated by 12 other priests.”

“After the wedding, we crossed the street to join the party at the residence of my parents. The house was overflowing to say the least. My mom lovingly transformed the tennis court into a reception area. The party just went on even when rain poured after dinner.” 

Asked on how he finds Nina as wife, Paul gives me a brief description.

 

“Over the years, Nina has grown from being very ‘western,’ having lived in America for close to a decade, to taking on a role of being a mother, taking care of herself, taking responsibility in our professional life, and growing with me. She plays multiple roles --- wife, daughter, mother, partner, lover, and friend. She adapts and transcends roles that she takes to a higher standard unto herself.”

Marriage is not all play. It also requires a lot of communication and effort to make it work and last forever. Paul expounds on how they have managed to stay happy together all this time.

“Nina and I can communicate in almost all levels. We can work and discuss very serious matters and switch to something totally ridiculous. We enjoy investing time with each other in simple activities. We thrive through the challenges and obstacles, and we revel in our accomplishments together.”

“I have never been one to label myself as a husband but more as a friend. As expected of a friend, I support, cherish, honor and love my wife as an equal in everything we do; forgive the shortcomings and focus on the beauty that we experience in our family and personal relationships.”

 

As if he read my mind, Paul goes full circle and paints me a picture of how Nina completes him.

“Love is a very difficult emotion to describe but to sum it all, I would be lost, incomplete, irresponsible, and directionless without Nina. I cannot imagine myself with anyone else.” :)

“I look forward to love, life, laughter, mutual respect, weddings, birthdays, challenges surmounted and more celebrations. I am blessed to be with Nina and to be in love with her, and I will be blessed still to grow old with her.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 73, 26 June 2013.

GETTING COOL AND SWANKY WITH MARKS & SPENCER

Marks & Spencer (M&S), one of UK’s leading retailers, has been a place for go-to pieces which look good all day, every day. The store offers an international shopping experience with an extensive range of high quality fashion and accessories across womenswear, menswear, lingerie, beauty --- all at great value. It also offers a selection of exceptional quality food and drinks including groceries, biscuits, confectioneries, savories and wines.

 

M&S is largely identified with its urban cool collections and perfectly cultivated wearables. The variety of choices speaks to men and women with an uninhibited urban spirit. Their collection gravitates along the lines of flexibility and comfort. To me, a clothing item from M&S can both look tailored and professional by the day, and stylish and chic by the night. This style versatility is what most would call a mix of business and leisure.

 

Last Friday, Marks & Spencer opened its store in SM Lanang Premier, with a completely new store format. Trading across 1,515 square meters, the new setup provides customers with a new shopping experience – making the store more inviting, inspiring and easy to shop for customers, with an exciting new take on fashion and food displays.

 

The store was unveiled with a live mannequin display, featuring the latest M&S collection. Models sashayed along the aisles, donned in a mix of basic daywear, calm neutrals, crisp and clean cuts, contemporary prints, and updated classics. The styling focused on comfort and adaptation while staying true to the elegance and classicism of the basic essentials.

The new format of the store provides each clothing brand its own distinct look and identity and allows customers to see which brand best meets their personal style preferences. By clearly segmenting each of the store’s popular clothing sub brands, M&S aims to improve the customer journey through improved navigation, a better store layout and more inspiring in-store customer experiences. This is highlighted for customers through unique branding, visual merchandising kit and propping.

 
I personally like classifying my clothes according to style and function to avoid hours of rummaging through an overload of different prints, seasons, and patterns. It’s easier to compose your fashion statement for the day when pieces are properly dichotomized. This goes the same when I go shopping.

 

I find comfort breezing through the aisles of M&S’s new store without losing myself in between racks. “Straightforward” best describes the store’s new format. It gives us enough breathing space to shift from one style to another. You can gracefully move from modern romanticism to the urban sophistication of the west side. Menswear is easily defined in varying sections from high octane opulence, deluxe sleekness to downtown appeal. The panoply of prints, colors, and style accoutrement is kept simple and uncomplicated --- enough to make Carrie Bradshaw proud.

 

Tooth fairy did quite a good job in filtering the confectioneries in the food hall. The display of saccharine delights is done strategically in a way that even the packaging screams of deliciousness even without a peek of what’s inside. The window alone welcomes kids with amplified cuteness of vintage tin cans and printed boxes filled with candies and chocolates. Those with sophisticated taste will find comfort in the selection of wines and other culinary fixings.

 

Anthony Tantoco Huang, the Executive Vice President of Stores Specialists Inc., said in his speech: “We’re delighted to open this store, and we are really pleased to have secured such a prime shopping location. Our new displays really showcase the very best of our stylish summer fashions and specialty food. We can’t wait for our customers to come and explore our brand new, more inviting and inspiring store.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 68, 19 June 2013.

 

FASHIONABLE NATIONALISM

Last June 5, SM Lanang Premier launched Davao’s first exhibit on the Barong Tagalog to raise awareness on the beauty and cultural preservation of our traditional heritage in the midst of modernization and globalization. Dubbed as “Passionalism,” the exhibit at the mall’s atrium featured Architect Michael Dakudao’s collection which is, as he would put it, an artistic collaboration amongst the piña and sinamay weavers of Iloilo and the fashion designers, tailors, and visual artists from Davao.

 

 

I have always identified Michael Dakudao with a flamboyant and ornate Barong Tagalog. I always see him in socials adorned in wearable Filipino art, be it for weddings, corporate functions, or events. In formal gatherings where coat / suit and tie are a common denominator among men, Mr. Dakudao always stands out in an intricately designed Barong Tagalog.

 

His involvement and passion in Filipino culture stem from his lineage and background in the arts. One of his cousins is no less than the very talented and multi-awarded choreographer, Agnes Locsin. Mr. Dakudao found deeper connection with the national costume while taking up a Doctorate Degree in Architecture at the Tokyo University, where the Filipino fashion art and craftsmanship was wonderfully received by one of the professors. Such approbation fortified Mr. Dakudao’s esteem for the Barong Tagalog and it reminded him to wear the national attire with dignity and pride.

 

Mr. Dakudao has been featured in many publications for his insatiable passion for collecting Barong Tagalog, particularly those made from sinamay and piña, adorned with handmade embroidery and beading.

Mr. Dakudao expounded more on this national heritage and the story of his collection. “Filipinos are the only lineage who’s known distinctly around the world for having pineapple fibers as the national attire. Since my return from Tokyo, I would travel all the way to Iloilo just to get good quality and artistically-made piña and sinamay fabrics in various colors from the highly respected Cecilia Gison-Villanueva of Arevalo town’s century-old House of Sinamay. For me, every piece of woven piña and sinamay is a labor of love as the process of making it is painstakingly tedious.”

“This exhibit should give attention and appreciation back to our own fashion designers namely Garimon Roferos, Otoy Mercado, Jao Tarepe, Alfonso Guino-o, and Rene Salud. This is also one opportunity to take notice of the execeptional works of tailor Jamie Laran, the ingenious embellishers Mae and Carmaela Braceros-Alcantara, jewelry designer Ann Tiukinhoy-Pamintuan, and visual artist Anoy Catague.” 

“Garimon’s obsession in producing one of a kind design to update the Barong Tagalog is evident in his creation of the luxuriously beaded and feathered peacock barong which he made in Dubai where he now resides.”

 

 

“Veteran designer, Rene Salud, creatively spruced up my vintage 1930’s black piña cloth embroidered with multi-colored sunburst patterns in silk into a classic Barong Tagalog.”

 

“Another notable piece in my collection is Otoy Mercdo’s classic burgundy-colored piña barong which features eye-catching Japanese Art Deco brass buttons.”

“Then there’s one here by multi-awarded designer Joao Tarepe. For this piece, he enhanced the otherwise classic embroidery pattern with tiny bugle beads to create a subtle glitter.” 

“To showcase the beauty of Mindanao’s indigenous tribes’ cultural expression in distinctive tribal fashion, Mae and Carmaela Braceros Alcantara created unique pieces by utilizing coco beads, mother of pearl disks, and natural black and white pearls. The stylish Alcantara barongs are multi-dimensional as they are multi-cultural in lavish execution of the mother-daughter team.

 

 

“Visual artist Anoy Catague hand painted a Bagoba maiden on a Barong Tagalog from Kultura. This colorful rendition of nature on linen helped define Barong Tagalog as truly Filipino in nature.” 

 

“Jaime Laran’s technique in creating beautifully structured barongs speaks of precise patterns, sharp silhouettes, and a passionate and great familiarity with the creation of the national attire.”

 

In her own speech, Mall Manager Therese Lapeña – Manalo concluded, “This barong exhibit is a platform for promoting our national identity and appreciation not only for our national costume. We hope that this will also translate to a higher regard for our history, culture, art, music, literature and all things Filipino. Living in a country that has been very much influenced by Western culture, we need to hold on to something that is truly ours, a symbol of nationalism that will stand the test of time. This exhibit will allow us to take pride in that and be a catalyst for preserving this interesting facet of Philippine culture and art. I sincerely hope that through this exhibit, we can learn a lot about Philippine fabric and embroidery, and gain a deeper admiration and respect for the quality of garments made in the Philippines, especially those made in Davao.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 63, 12 June 2013.

 

 

 

 

SPELLBINDING MUSIC OF SONGSPELL

 

Almost everyone loves the performing arts. Aside from having your children participate in drama clubs or dance recitals, it is also gratifying to take them along to musical performances. The children’s awe at the spectacle, and the look of wonder on their faces, is worth much more than the price of admission.

 

I brought along my daughter with me to the live concert of Songspell Foundation, which also served as recital for students who joined their summer program. The show entitled Fill up the Night with Music showcased excerpts from Broadway hit musicals Annie, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables.

 

 

 

About 37 youngsters took part in the concert together with lead members Keith Gonzales, Koi Sevilla, Bodick Madrazo, Nonong Inigo, Shiela Mendoza, Nikko Moreno, Francis Orias, Valene Laguilla, Nelson Edralin, and, last but not the least, my cousin Missy Ansaldo.

 

Dance and music are in our genes, and I went to the show to extend my support and to see my cousin perform. While Missy has been performing with Songspell for more than decade, it is unfortunate that I never got to see any of her previous shows. Hoping to make up for all those years I missed her plays, I took this opportunity to see her and show off her acting skills to my own little trouper.

Seeing my own cousin act and sing onstage sent shivers down my spine. She has always been known as the “artista” in our family, having joined the local version of Ang TV in her elementary years and, later on, the prestigious Repertory Philippines. Her years of training and performing with Songspell has definitely honed her powerful voice and developed her into a character actress. I proudly give credit to her mom for her dedication in making a good performer out of Missy. I remember how religious they were when it came to practice and training, starting when Missy turned 8 or 9 years old. Those were the years when Songspell has just opened its doors to new members, and now the institution has grown into a big family just as my cousin has grown into a multi-hyphenate and talented young lady.

 

 

The Songspell Foundation Inc. was formed in Davao City in 1996. Pioneered by their Musical Director, Ms. Nelly Castro, and their President, Mr. Fernando Pareja, SongSpell has been bringing music here and abroad for almost 17 years. It is an institution of committed families dedicated to the artistic, moral and spiritual formation of children and youth. It first started with two kids who performed in private functions. Soon, it grew into a small group who developed a new repertoire with musical numbers from Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, and a couple of Tagalog and Cebuano songs. Because of this exposure, a lot of parents wanted the same training and musicality instilled their children. Thus, Songspell Foundation Inc. grew into a huge group of performers of different age groups from schools all over Davao. Their growing popularity earned them accolades and paved way for opportunities and projects around country.

The big break came when the group became the opening act for Filipino singer Dulce, and received an invitation for a concert tour in the USA. Songspell was also asked to sing for the US Ambassador during his visit in 1999. 

 

In 2000, the group flew to the United States of America and had successful shows in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington D.C. This was followed by consecutive concert tours abroad every two years.

 

To date, Songspell has gone on 7 concert tours and have performed in states and cities like Maryland, Atlanta, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Virginia, Boston, North and South Carolina, and even across the borders all the way to Toronto, Canada.  The foundation is planning its 8th trip in 2014.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section. Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 58, 05 June 2013.