MARGARITA ISABEL: FASHION CLUB BABY

 

So THE great photographer Mark Nicdao branded this little one the title #fashionclubbaby. In case you haven’t followed any of the Instagram posts of celebrity stylist Pam Quiñones, then let me be the first to tell you that pretty baby Mia made her debut in the fashion league at only 3 weeks old, and with no less than the who’s who in Philippine fashion gushing about her utter cuteness and long limbs.

 

Margarita Isabel “Mia” Chua Quiñones is the first born of power couple Apple and Mark. Her mom is part of the stylish elite who have made a name herself because of her unwavering career, colorful personality, passion for fashion, and love of life. Her dad, Mark, is a scene stealer himself with his good looks and manly physique. Both make a good combination and it all comes out in the form of this newly baptized baby.

 

The glowing mom recalls the day she gave birth to Mia. “While my friends were busy adorning the walls of my hospital room with buntings, garlands pinwheels, pink balloons and fresh flowers to welcome me and Mia, I was already experiencing a 2-hour dry labor (as result of induced labor). With me inside the Lamaze room were my mom, mother-in-law, and Mark. They became the source of my strength. Mia didn’t give me much of a hard time and came out after just one push. I remember I was welcomed by my husband with a glass of champagne and a gift for a job well done. Since I opted for a natural childbirth (meaning without the aid of pain killers), I had the energy to entertain guests after. It was heartwarming to see friends when we were finally transferred to our own room.”

Now, close to 3 months old, Mia finally made her public debut.

 

Her christening at Sta. Ana Church gathered few of the influential personalities in fashion. Aside from Davao’s own stylish crowd, there was no less than Pam Quiñones, who is Mark’s younger sister, who stood as one of the godmothers. Then there was designer Mark Bautista, who is best known for his out of the box fashion ideas and exceptional talent. Jing Monis, hairstylist to the stars, is also one of the godfathers, but wasn’t able to make it to the eventful day because of prior commitments. Other godparents present in the scene were Edward Duy, Jono Quioc, Allee Lee, Jansen Quiñones, Reagan Carr, Redmond Carr, Bryan Mendoza, Carlvon Kiel, Vanessa and Sharon Ong, Chiche and Florence Alejandre, Ayen Infante,  Elaine Carr, Sandy San Pedro-Dicdiquin, Jen Rosales, Mary Ann Romero, and Maricel Banal.

 

The reception, which was held in a popular Chinese restaurant, was styled and transformed into a European-Asian café by event specialist, Ninang Florence Alejandre. The cake, made by Joel Rodriguez of Osvaldo’s, looked too pretty to eat. Ninang April and Sandy also shared their talent by making customized invites and cupcakes. Little Mia, being the star of the event, was dressed in a beautiful baptismal gown by Rajo Laurel, given to her as a gift by her loving Ninang Pam.

 

A baby definitely brings a couple closer. News of Apple’s pregnancy broke shortly after Mark’s very romantic proposal. He proposed marriage to Apple on their 7^th year in an exclusive beach resort. Forty of their closest friends stood as witness as the teary-eyed Mark knelt and held out a sparkly engagement ring to Apple. They tied the knot a few months after, a quiet / intimate wedding ceremony in a fine dining restaurant, which most only heard of through a couple of Instagram posts.

 

When I first heard about her baby news, the first question that came into my head was how Apple will marry fashion with pregnancy. I chanced on seeing her with the baby bump for only a few times, and it was during the early months of her pregnancy. Apple discloses the rest to me. “I never took my baby bump into new style heights. I’m glad I was able to retain my personal edgy style, wearing mostly menswear, black loose ensemble with less or no accessories at all. The only time I wore a figure skimming dress was when my friend, designer Martin Bautista, gave me one on my 5^th month of pregnancy.”

 

“I’m lucky that I didn’t feel any dramatic and terrifying ordeals during pregnancy. I ate well. I spent holidays with friends. I continued working. I had no out of this world cravings. No mood swings. The weight gain didn’t bother me at all. With my husband, family, and friends by my side, I remained a happy and optimistic pregnant woman.”

 

I’ve known Apple to be a social butterfly, seeing her in countless of events since the time we met. Now I ask, how much and what has changed since Mia came into your life?

 

 “Mia’s presence didn’t create a major change in my life mainly because I had her at the time I was ready and prepared to settle down. What is more noticeable now is how our family has become closer. Mark’s sister, Pam, comes home more often than before. My brother Erik, after working abroad for 3 years, decided to come home and is now considering staying here for good to take over our family business. Mia’s arrival reminded everyone that family should always come first.”

 

“My two month maternity break gave me the best chance to be hands on with Mia. Now that I’m back at work, I make sure that every little time I have with her every day is well spent. I make sure that I bathe and feed her, play and sing to her. I even hold her hand in prayer before I head out. Every night, when I come home from work to a sleeping Mia, I would ask the midwife to give me a moment alone with my daughter. I would lock the door and just stare at her, whispering to her how grateful I am that she came into our life.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 98, 31 July 2013. 

 

FACE IT

On the day I hit 30, I started my morning feeling a bit edgy while doing my makeup in the cab. For some reason, the colors of my eye shadow didn’t seem to blend right like they used to and the eye liner was a wee bit out of line. I felt so unsatisfied with my look, thinking that I have to change color palettes to retain a younger appearance. I guess vanity catches up with age… For me, at least.

 

After a few bumpy kilometres along the way, I felt so exasperated and decided to redo my makeup all over again. On top of that, I was running late for work. I was lucky I had a pile of work waiting in the office. It kept me from becoming more irritable, emotional, and dramatic --- which sometimes happen when I turn a year older. Hormones, you know. Fortunately, I managed to survive work without falling into the I’m-turning-30 depression.

 

Little did I know that I was going to end my day with another makeup encounter…  This time around, it was for something beautiful and exciting. And it was worth moving my birthday dinner to an hour later.

 

 

My friend’s sister called and invited me to the exclusive preview of Avon’s new makeup line.  An hour with beauty essentials wouldn’t hurt, I thought. This could, somehow, answer my need for change and makeover. So, off I went and sat down with the Avon PR team.

 

The collection presented to us is actually scheduled to be launched officially in August. Featuring innovative new True Color technology, Avon’s latest line boasts of more vibrant, ultra-wearable and high-impact colors that stay true to the shade you see on the package—what you see is what you get.

 

 

The True Color Eyeshadow Quad is Avon’s most coveted eyeshadow product to date. Available in six intense and luxurious eye-popping palettes, it lights up your peepers in one-sweep applications, creating effortlessly stunning eyes that last the day without fading or creasing. And with numbered shades to guide you, the True Color Eyeshadow Quad guarantees quick expert eye looks that ensure that all other eyes are on you.

 

Meanwhile, your lip color can simply say it all with the Ultra Color Lipstick and Ultra Glazewear Lipgloss. The Ultra Color Lipstick collection features long-lasting lip power, with self-renewing pigments to retain the same rich and vivid color from the tube and straight to your puckers. Find the perfect lip-luscious look for you with 13 vivid shades to choose from, and let your lips love the extra pampering, with Shea butter, omega oil, arctic berry, and vitamin E that hydrate and keep them feeling smooth and supple.

 

 

Available in 5 luminous shades designed to fit different skin tones, the new Ultra Glazewear Lipgloss packs in the same moisturizing ingredients and adds a visible burst of brilliant shine and color to your lips.

 

Avon’s PR team also shared with us the concept behind their beauty campaign. “Your true colors make you amazing, and it’s time to let them show with Avon’s new make-up collection. And while each stroke or sweep is designed to bring out what’s naturally fabulous, it’s your uniqueness that creates the impact that can’t be forgotten. In short, You—yes, you—Make It Beautiful.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue no. 93, 24 July 2013.

 

 

JOLLY TIME AT JOLLITOWN

 

 

The image of Jollibee brings back to mind a series of happy memories from childhood. To many, birthday parties at Jollibee are considered a luxury treat. My daughter vividly remembers her own Jollibee party from 4 years back. At the time, she was still two years old and could not properly enunciate the bee’s name any better than “Abadee.” It was in my daughter’s party that I discovered how much of Jollibee’s dance skills have evolved since the last time I saw him perform. He can now dance to all kinds of beat, be it techno, pop, RnB, house, etc. --- with batting eyelashes to boot.

 

Nowadays, despite the influx of global brands in the local scene, Jollibee still leads the pack, not only for its selection of comfort food, but for the values the brand fosters among its audience through multi-media marketing.  Not only does Jollibee relate to Filipinos when it comes to flavor and taste. Their popularity runs on the culture of family. They reach out to speak to the “kid inside of us,” making Jollibee one of the most lovable mascots of all ages.

 

Their brand ambassadors have become household names in the same way that their TV advertisements have become powerful and effective stimuli, especially with the way children relate to and converse with adults. Who can ever forget the line, “Mommy, nawawala si Jennifer?”

 

Aside from the multi-awarded TV commercials, Jollibee also adapted a couple other marketing tools to get more involvement from the community. In 2008, they introduced an educational TV show starring their own gang of mascots and selected talents. The show focuses on playing and learning, highlighting values such as teamwork, friendship, family, healthy habits, and caring for the environment. The TV show became popular among kids and moms alike, and garnered multiple awards from different sections in the society.

 

Now on its 6^th season, the show promises more interaction with their episodes taped in the presence of a live audience. Jollibee Kids Club members get to experience what it’s like to be in Jollitown, and, at the same time, play with Jollibee and friends. Other highlights include new songs and dance steps, storytelling, educational segments, colorful animation, and, as always, exciting new characters.

  

To launch the 6^th season, the company gave an exclusive preview of the first episode for members of the Davao media. To give the media a glimpse of what the audience can expect from the new set of episodes, the Jollibee marketing team prepared a number of games for both adults and children. Jollibee himself came and joined in the fun with his friends namely, Hetty, Popo, Yum, and Twirlie.

 

It was one of those rare moments that people get to see all the mascots together in one event. You can just imagine the crowd of guests anxiously waiting for a photo opportunity with the mascots. That crowd included me, my daughter, and my boyfriend. As a mother, I couldn’t let such opportunity pass without my daughter getting a photo with each of the character --- all of them if possible. My excitement and constant prodding must have irritated my daughter because, by the time we finished her solo shots with each of the mascot, she gave me the look of annoyance and embarrassment when I insisted that she should also get a photo with the complete cast. I shrugged off her “makuha ka sa tingin” threats and dragged her along with me for a group photo with the cast. Even dads and moms jumped in the scene and pleaded to have their own time with the mascots.

 

At the end of the activity, Bea Tempongko from Jollibee Marketing shared a couple more details on the top-rated show. “Jollitown continues to improve over the years. The season 5 of Jollitown generated an average rating of 4.51 among kids between 2 to 6 years old, and an average rating of 3.29 among moms. Along with its impressive numbers, Jollitown remains the top of mind choice of moms when it comes to shows for kids. We invite everyone to join our adventure with Jollibee as we launch the new season of Jollitown this coming July 20. Tune in to GMA every Saturday, from 8:40 am to 9:15 am, and catch all 13 episodes.”

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 89, 17 July 2013.

 

 

CELEBRATING THE 49TH HIJOS DE DAVAO BALL

 

Last June 29, personalities and individuals from a wide cross section of government, business, media and social circles gathered in a night of merry-making to celebrate the 49^th Hijos de Davao ball.

 

The highly respected foundation continues to live on the tradition of reaching out to the community through cultural programs to showcase Davao’s history and heritage. Every year, they dedicate one night of festivity to re-connect with families and to welcome the new generation of Dabawenyos.

 

 

I have always perceived Hijos de Davao to be of the same grandeur as the Oscars and Met Gala, where long gowns and suits are considered a must. Here, in place of the formal suit, you see men in traditional Barong Tagalog and female guests either in an Imeldific attire or an evening dress.

Last year, I was invited by a colleague to attend the event. That being my first time to experience the Hijos de  Davao, I found myself in desperate search of a Terno, thinking that it was the only outfit of choice for that night. Lucky me, I was able to borrow a one from a friend. What I didn’t know then was only women joining the Rigodon de Honor dance are required to come in Terno. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and discovered that I was the only female guest in Terno, while the rest of the onlookers were in cocktail and evening attire.

 

I just shrugged off the slight (self-inflicted) embarrassment and thought, “Never mind, this will probably be the last time I’ll be attending this ball, anyway.” Back then, I thought Hijos de Davao was exclusive to the city’s pioneering families, and, since I was born and raised in Manila, I figured invitations to this ball won’t be coming in every year. Contrary to this belief, the foundation has long since introduced new blood into the group to make it grow through generations to come.

 

Two weeks before this year’s ball, I received a call from Jackie Garcia-Dizon herself, the new president of the Hijos de Davao foundation. She asked me if I’d be interested to join the Rigodon de Honor dance this time. I hesitated at first, thinking that I’d be the only “newbie” in the group. Being invited to the event is a privilege on its own, how much more when invited to join Rigodon? I gave in to Jackie’s kind offer after much consideration. I said "Yes" and went to the event in full Terno, for the second time around. This time, I wore my own.

I was paired with Arch. Michael Dakudao, whose lineage is associated with culture and arts. His dance prowess and training, strongly influenced by his family relations to multi-awarded choreographer Agnes Locsin, is quite known within the society. I was a bit nervous having him as my partner, thinking that my long-forgotten dance skills won’t be able to match his talent.

 

Through that small group of 20 pairs who met for practice on succeeding nights, I was able to get a deeper understanding of what the foundation is all about. It is about strengthening ties between the old and the new, to enrich and nourish the heritage of Davao in years to come.

 

Good thing the dance was not as difficult as I imagined. The choreographer did mention that she patterned the routine to what was being done in Malacañang. I thought we won’t be able to pull it through since most of the steps were new, even to those who have danced the Rigodon for years. I guess we did quite alright during the event proper… Not bad after 2 nights of practice.

 

 

One of that night’s highlights was the official turnover of leadership from Ma. Lourdes Socorro Medina-Estanislao to Jackie Garcia-Dizon. The new president was presented to the group together with the new set of officers namely, Amy Soriano-Diano (Vice-President), Rowena Hizon-Daluz (Secretary), Pilar Rosario Rodriguez (Treasurer), Mabel Soriano-Lemen (Asst. Treasurer), Mia Pineda (Business Manager), and Marissa Salonga-Tionko (P.R.O). 

 

 

Irra Zarina Derla Escandor, who wore a pale pink gown by Francis Libiran, was crowned muse by Dr. Louie Gahol and Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo. Irra was escorted by Julio Palma Gil Bucoy.

 

A group from the younger generation also gave the audience a surprise treat and showed off their own talents in a jazz number.

 

In her speech, Jackie gave everyone a preview of the projects she has in line as the foundation gears up for its 50^th anniversary. From the successful turnout of this year’s ball and Jackie’s own plans going on full swing, I believe we’ll be expecting bigger and brighter things from the foundation in the years to come.

Congratulations once again to everyone in the committee. It was indeed a night to remember.

 

(Photos courtesy of Ms. Silvia Gomez-Gempesaw)

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 83, 10 July 2013.

 

 

PARTY OF PINK

It’s amazing how kids get even more creative and imaginative nowadays. Even at a very early age, they are capable of visualizing scenes, putting together ideas and turning them into one big event. Take 4 years old Adriana “Yana” Recto, for example.

 

 

“She conceptualized her own birthday party. She was the driving force behind all the planning and preparation. She chose the color, theme, cake, and even the design of her dress. She had all these ideas of what she wanted to see and share with her friends,” explained mommy Chiqui.

 

Every little girl deserves a great party, and every able and loving parent will do everything to make it memorable and special.

Yana’s 4^th birthday party 2 weeks ago was a hit among little girls and mommies. The Hello Kitty theme brought back memories of childhood, even to me (who was one of the many moms playing a supporting role during the party games). Hello Kitty is one of the most relatable characters among women of various ages. Imagine the excitement inside the room when Hello Kitty was called in by the host. Cameras started clicking from all directions as little girls ran to welcome the mascot.

The entire ballroom was frosted with pink, just as Yana wanted. Even the party guests wore pink. Yana was wearing a full princess gown made by John Belandres of Atelier 115. “Surprisingly, she’s not wearing her tiara today. To think, we usually see her walking around the house wearing something sparkly on her head,” quipped the doting mom.

 

“Yana was so anxious about the party and I had difficulty putting her to sleep the night before. Let’s just say it was sugar rush that kept her wide awake. Not that she needed to get a small taste of her Hello Kitty cupcakes to fire up her energy. The mere sight of the cute Hello Kitty cupcakes made by Joel Rodriguez of Osvaldo’s got her all hyper and ecstatic.”

 

“Motherhood can be sweet, challenging, beautiful, frightening, overwhelming but fulfilling. I really try and give my best when it comes to my kids.  Yana deserves this little funfair because she is such a good daughter and sister to her little brother. She has such a strong character and well-rounded personality. She's talented, bubbly, assertive, and reasons out to get her ideas heard. My husband and I are blessed to have such wonderful kids. I want our friends and family to take part in this joy and celebration life.”

“To my dear Yana, I wish you all the best in life. I hope and pray that you will grow up to be the kind of person God wants you to be and that all your dreams will come true."

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Story and photos published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 78, 03 July 2013.