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Chany Antonio-Ku and Pinky Antonio, Mayor Abby Binay
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Katrina Cuenca exhibit (right) and Dominic Rubio exhibit (left) at MoCAF
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Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Vince and Liz Uy
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Vogue Philippines’ Pam Quiñones and Bea Valdes flank Business of Fashion CEO Imran Amed.
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Sam Isleta Llanes, Lui
Raymundo-Diongco, Aliza Apostol-Goco, Tedrick Yau, Treisha Vanns
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“Start with your passion and align it with your skills with a real sense of purpose.”—Imran Amed
Inspiration can be drawn from anywhere! Having rediscovered my new passion, I am back to my zest for local fashion and attending all forms of activities that promote our local culture. As shared at the “Vogue Talks” of Imran Amed, founder, CEO and editor in chief of The Business of Fashion, everything we do should have a sense of purpose to navigate through all the challenges and obstacles in life. Passion with purpose is the guiding light of one’s life path, to have the best alignment for moving forward.
Although his focus was on the global fashion industry, Amed shared career advice and life lessons from his personal and professional journey. Drawing so much inspiration from his talk, I’ve refocused my present intentions on my new project to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Ranger Station at Tubbataha Reefs. From seeing underwater photographs of diver friends like Cris De Leon-Hinlo, Tet Lara, Marissa Floirendo and Yvette Lee, I have started painting on canvas for a future art exhibit this October for this project. Also exhibiting is my BFF Tessa Alindogan, who also got so much insight from the “Vogue Talks” event.
Significant milestone
At the recent Makati City inaugural Rosas ng Sampiro Festival, I also found so much inspiration and ideas for my next costume. Dedicated to honoring the revered Virgen de la Rosa, patroness of the city, the festival commenced with great fanfare on June 23, on Ayala Avenue. This historic event marked a significant milestone in Makati’s rich cultural history, bringing together schools and barangay clusters in a spirited competition of theatrical performances and dance.
The festival opened with a vibrant parade featuring competing schools and barangay clusters, each showcasing their artistic interpretations inspired by the centuries-old Baile de los Arcos. Choreographed under the artistic direction of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, participants dazzled with their talent and creative spirit, paying homage to their beloved patroness. I joined the panel of judges with Chris Mohnani, Eric Pineda, Roobak Valle, Maribeth Bichara, Andrew Ferraris and chaired by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, and we meticulously evaluated each performance based on costume design, choreography and overall presentation.
Because the festival was rained out that day, all the judges were requested to return a week later to continue judging the Rosas ng Sampiro Festival Dance Competition 2024. The overall winners of the festival were San Antonio Village Elementary, Makati High School (HS Category) and Barangay Cluster 1. Best in Costume and Best in Choreography went to San Antonio Village Elementary and Makati High School.
The event was organized by PLA Events Planner Inc., a company with a track record of mounting big events. Pinky Antonio and her team ensured a seamless and memorable experience for participants and spectators alike. On July 27, PLA Events Planner will mount Makati City’s Spread the Love, Makati–Celebrate Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. Join the parade happening on Makati Avenue in Poblacion, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
New collection
Shopping inspires me, so I was happy to attend the launch of the newest collection of Max Mara. The collection drew inspiration from the Whitney Museum of American Art–Alexander Calder’s Circus. Recently restored and redisplayed is the elaborate troop of ingeniously articulated performers and hundreds of props including nets, flags, carpets, lamps and musical instruments, all beneath the towering masts of the big top with its jaunty pennants.
In red, white, camel and black, the Max Mara collection has leopard prints, audacious stripes, distinctive spots and the odd star. The look is leggy, bold and showy; tiny twill shorts with a pannier construction, a mini pareo to wear with a mannish blazer tucked in, a pinstripe mini with contrast stitching to wear with a scaled-up jacket.
In Manila, the collection was introduced at the Max Mara store in Greenbelt 3 through an intimate styling session by creative director and fashion stylist Vince Uy. The program began with an overview of the event by host Tedrick Yau, followed by an introduction of the stylist by his sister, the always fashionable Liz Uy. Key looks were highlighted, from the red looks prevalent in the collection, to the leopard print pieces that created a more modern vibe. Guests who attended were sketched by artist Mickey Velarde wearing key pieces from the collection.
Inclusivity and dynamism
Art brings out the creativity of talented artists. I got so many painting tips from some of the featured artists at the MoCAF (Modern and Contemporary Art Festival). On its third year, the festival continues to build on inclusivity and dynamism. Expanding its reach and offering, it has successfully moved to BGC, with all paths leading to the Marquis Events Place. Nearby roads displayed MoCAF street banners and social media buzzing with the latest works of highly sought after artists.
The main ballroom featured 24 premiere local galleries, seven exciting international galleries, with 11 of MoCAF’s special exhibitions. This year’s special exhibitions included event-exclusive pieces made by the likes of seasoned creatives such as Katrina Cuenca and Michael Cacnio, as well as a curated show by artist-run space VeryGood Gallery and the installation art piece of La Belle Fete’s Ycoy Sitchon.
An area on the mezzanine floor before going up to the main venue set the stage for indigenous works courtesy of Taipan Lucero and Melissa Yeung Yap for the Department of Tourism’s own special exhibition. Art+ Magazine highlighted its 50th year with special anniversary merchandise and a display of the numerous covers through the years.
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