CARY'ED AWAY

The Cebu Face-Off show ended with none other than Cary Santiago. I don't think I have to explain why. In this collection, Cary's signature attention to detail translated into intricate weaving and architectural folds with overhanging eaves. In other words, jaw-dropping. Watch and lust.

Dabble with fringe.


I've never wanted to wear a ribbon on my chest so bad till now.



Icey princess. Styling included tone-on-tone body gloves and stockings with a line of winking stones at the back.


A cape that can translate into rtw.


A new texture for Cary's muse Marguerite Lhuillier. Manipulated leather?


WOW. Cary always leaves me breathless.

FACE OFF

Was in Cebu for a two day back to back event, the first one was the Cebu Young Designers Competition, the next was Face-Off. Cebuano designers pitted against Manila ones. It was a good show, lots of covetable clothes. And although that day was spent more glued to the tube watching the Royal Wedding, the night proved to be quite riveting as well.

Judes eyecatching neckpiece by Noreen Tseng.

Arcy Gayatin.

An Eric Delos Santos Piece.

Edwin Ao.

Protacio.

Protacio.

Protacio.

Obviously I loved Protacio's.

Footwear from Arcy's collection.

Randy Ortiz.


Phillip Rodriguez.

ABASERIA

Just goes to show that I haven't really been out in Cebu much. I've heard of Abaseria many times but haven't tried it. But thanks to our gracious hosts Cary Santiago and Jude Bacalso, I finally had the chance to go. Ang sarap lang. Can't believe I've missed out for this long. Its home cooked food in a tourist showcase ambience. Very comfy and homey.

Ay, di ko nausog yung monobloc. Ahihi.

Utensils for giants. What is the history of wooden spoons? Remember it used to be so "uso" to have a giant spoon and fork on the walls na naka eks? Whhyyy?

Chalk board menu.

With a ceiling made of seeds.

And the pasalubong showcase, where everything in the shelves were for sale.

For starters, we had the Kamote thins and dilis/pusit crisps. Yum.

And a Cebuano specialty, a rice called "Mais", which is more compact, similar in texture to couscous.

What's Cebu without danggit?

Loved this dish, humba Cebuano style.

And their specialty: bangus belly

YUMBURGERS to the nth! Thanks Car and Jud!

CEBU YOUNG DESIGNERS COMPETITION

Cary Santiago invited me to judge the CYDC. And booked me a month in advance so I'd really block off the date. So from Holy Week in Cebu, came back here to Manila, and flew back to Cebu again after two days. Flying really stresses me out--and you know that--but I love Cary, so of course it was a Yes. I was pretty excited too because new aesthetics and designers always inspires me.

There were 7 clothing and 4 accessory designers. We had pre-judging so i was able to scrutinize and touch almost all of the pieces. Its a known fact that Cebu churns out the best accessory designs because its an export hub, but sadly, only 4 were competing.

Meme Dakay came up with a sea theme. With fiery orange corals as inspiration.

And exotic sea urchins. This one I bought and will give as a gift to AC. Happy Birthday Doitch!!!

She also came up with winking crystalline blue armbands that resemble swaying sea plants. She calls it the Pacific.

The winner though was Julius Louie de la Cruz. Okay, my camera's crap and doesn't really do justice to the pieces...but up-close, the different elements are made up of varying finishes: reptile skin, feathers, leather.. and the flower petals are made out of translucent Carabao nails. Yup, you read that right, nails and not horns.


As for the clothes, i was fascinated by the textures.

Fabric topography.

Wood bark inspirations by Van Dale dela Bajan. Potential!


Pinky Magalona was brilliant enough to make her own fabrication. Nope, thats not fur but shredded chiffon--light enough to wear for day. Although she might just have to think of a different shape and finish because it looks mighty hot and itchy to me.

Her tailored pieces were fanatastic though. Clean and well proportioned. I think it was also because of this that she won. =)


My other bet was Mikey Yapching. Layers of flimsy. sheer and opaque. Interesting shape too.

Back view. Intricate.

And bespoke shoes to tie everything in.


And a farewell walk (parang Miss Universe?) by previous CYDC winner: Lourd Maturan


Congratulations kids, my trip to Cebu was well worth it.

CHWEEERS.

I can drink again!! Abstinence is done! Margaritas all around!! And one beer. Yay!

TREASURE HUNTING

Remember I was in Cebu for Holy Week? Well, my brother and I are fond of hunting treasures in Vintage shops. Its not Ukay. It's actually an old department store that got left behind by the times, hence, the products in the shelves are so antiquated that its good condition vintage!

Found this pair of Bally two tone ballet flats for only 2k. But the clincher is, it comes only in a size 5 and 6. Maaaaaaan.

It came in other styles too. I super want the one with the bows!! especially the mustard! But size 6? thats only 3/4s of my feet. Waaah. Gawin ko nalang open-toe. Hihi. Dubious about the authenticity because I never really remembered that Bally was "of Switzerland"--I did some shallow snooping.


And found this in a vintage ad. Ah. Bally OF Switzerland nga pala. Maybe I wasn't born yet. Imagine how old the shoes are! Argh. I want.

BLAH BLAH BLACKSHEEP

Quiet on the blog front. I know. Waaah. It's hard to lug around a laptop when I'm out of town for press trips, I usually bring the handier iPad. And of course I can't really upload photos to my image host using a tablet. No USB ports for my external drive. Sigh. Imagine how easy everything would be if ipads came with USB ports.

Anyhoo, just letting you know that I'm full to the brim with photos, uploading it later. Just took time off to relax today. Went to S&R because AC had to buy Febreeze, and I bough lint removers (for my styling kit) that was 6 in a pack and it was buy one, take one! Steal! Even had time to go to mass, although don't you just hate it when bad homily's make you zone out? There's a priest in Greenbelt that gives great sermons. Not some dated biblical mumbo jumbo, but relevant stories that we all can incorporate in our lives. But with the insane mercury spike that we've been having, doing anything outdoors is a no-no. So far, it's been air-conditioned churches for the win.

And then there was Thor. Geek out! Growing up with two brothers, I've learned the Marvel heroes from the DC ones at a young age. Thor was the lesser character, it was Captain America who was the star of Avengers. So I was pretty surprised that I loved the movie. Maybe it was the combination of mythical as opposed to some radiation freak that got me. Always was fascinated with the Gods. And I have to say, was not disappointed with Asgard's visualization. It was as I imagined it. And that amber bridge that sparked with the horses hooves. Beautiful. I wonder how future movies are going to depict it? I mean, in 3D it was already awesome. Maybe in the future it will come with sensory experiences? Cool. Of course after the movie, AC and the boyf just went total geek out, talking about Marvel Universe and all the other comic books. Did you guys get to see the teaser at the end of the credits? There's always one. Thors teaser was at the end of Iron Man 2. Anyway, spoiler alert!!! It was Nick Fury with a power cube. Who's the next hero? My guess is it's Transformers. haha. Remember James Earls deep voice in the opening of the Transformers movie: "In the beginning was the cube." Charot. Can't wait for the next!!

Gooznight!