Thin, Lean and Bright

I recently had lunch with Ms. O of Samsung and her colleagues, and this is what was on my mind when they presented to me (along with Jenni Epperson and Isha Andaya of Stylebible.ph): There’s a new laptop in town. It’s sleek, sexy and powerful and it just might give that “other” laptop a run for its money.

The Samsung Philippines team proudly showed off their latest baby, the Samsung Series 9 Notebook, as the world’s thinnest measuring only 16.3mm (0.64 inches) in depth, with a screen size of 13 inches. It’s also the lightest, weighing only 1.31 kg. (2.88 lbs.), with a ‘SuperBright Plus’ display screen with LED technology to boot, making it the brightest. And the packaging? The Samsung Series 9 Notebook is encased in the most advanced duralumin metal alloy (that’s only used in specialized aircrafts) that makes it durable yet stylish and ultra light.

Along with the much-awaited release, Samsung has commissioned three of the country’s best designers in coming up with a special collection based on the brand’s latest notebook.

Randy Ortiz will be presenting a set of gowns based on the “thinnest” aspect, with the red carpet theme in mind: “Every time I choose a gadget, the first thing that attracts me is the aesthetics. The Samsung Series 9 Notebook is very fashionable and stylish. So, I was inspired to do the thinnest collection which consists of stunning silhouettes and beautiful flow of garments.”

Rhett Eala’s collection is all about feeling light. He uses soft fabrics such as tulle, lace and chiffon, obviously inspired by the multi-awarded movie, Black Swan. "Using the Samsung Series 9 Notebook is an experience itself. And I wanted to capture that experience in my collection. My collection will make you feel good, beautiful and sexy, the same experience as using the Samsung Series 9 gives," explains Eala.

Fitness is his latest obsession, which is why Rajo Laurel worked with brights for his athletic-inspired set. “The emotion that I want to evoke is FUN. I want this collection to be happy, vibrant, and energetic. We're about to hit summer so I want to be able to capture that excitement."

"Truly only the best for the best in Samsung. Samsung has focused its efforts on ensuring that its laptops offer truly comprehensive mobile experiences," said Hannah Francisco, NPC Product Manager of IT-SEPCO. "This is why we are creating not just the best in design with the country's top designers but the best in display offering our customers a complete and comprehensive notebook that meets all of their needs with one premium device with the series 9."

Too bad I wasn't able to attend this fabulous show, as I had other duties that night.  It's always a treat to see designer shows :D  It was so nice of Samsung's digital arm, Propel Manila, to send me this link below.

What do you think of the laptop and the clothes? :D

Golden Muses

This was printed last Friday in Manila Bulletin. For those who wasn't able to get a copy :)


A gilded collaboration between fashion and beauty


Philippine Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2011 kicked off the series with a show by four of the country’s well-loved designers, as handpicked by renowned beauty brand, Pond’s. Along with these creative artists, they also showcased “12 of the most beautiful and radiant women that best represents the Pond’s Gold Radiance line.” “We really selected the best of the best and so (PFW organizer) Joey Espino gladly allowed us to open PFW,” shares senior brand manager Jacqueline Yuengtian.


Starting the show was Dennis Lustico, with model Ria Bolivar in a pale gold fitted tube dress with orange-rust fringe detail. Other designs, such as Marina Benipayo’s, had a strip of gold glitter for that added dash of sparkle.

Rissa Mananquil’s wraparound sleeveless top and full skirt was no surprise to us. Designer JC Buendia, who is quite known for his well-tailored styles, has managed to put a refreshing twist to his staple designs with orchids (in the same muted gold tone as his chosen fabric) as his accessory du jour.

Model and host Joey Mead sashayed in a flowing gold lame dress that perfectly complements her sexy morena skin. Although most Pinays are still quite conservative when it comes to lame fabrics, Jun Escario’s collection proves that anyone can wear a lame dress. His creations are simple and sexy, with intricate beadwork that blends with the dresses.

The Middle East served as Rajo Laurel’s inspiration, with intricate embellishments that work well with his choice of white and beige combination. Mikaela Lagdameo Martinez’s beaded bolero was everyone’s favorite, as well as Divine Lee’s long gown, which played with the curves of the body by strategically placing the sheer fabrics along the lower abdomen.

For the finale, Pond’s Gold Radiance’s endorser was formally introduced with Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales walking out in a fully beaded, patterned, fitted, long- sleeved gown by Laurel as well.

The show was all about appreciation among the brand, the designer, and the models, with each giving credit to the other via the projector that served as part of the backdrop. It is this powerful mix of beauty and style that brings out the radiance in a woman, as demonstrated with the support of this elite group of designers and Pond’s.

What A Sale Shopping Week It Was!

The global recession has obviously hit us, and a few stores have started their sales earlier to beat the rest on enticing us to spend our money at their shops. Theodore's at Boni High Street was the first to do just that, as they had a denim markdown sale that started May 1—two pairs of jeans for the price of P6,995!  Since I'm preggy and about to give birth in a few weeks, there's no point of buying new clothes—just yet!  Nothing will fit me anyways.  But when I heard about the store's shoe sale that started last May 18, I secretly let out a sigh since I won't be able to get first dibs.  I am not allowed to drive around on my own now.  But when my mom invited me to visit Ninang Liz Lirag of New Yorker PVR (Arnaiz Road, Makati. Tel Num: 844-7753) last week, I quickly said yes.  Yipee!

First stop: New Yorker.  Mom had her fittings, while I browsed through the sale rack.  They're old stocks/samples (even vintage clothes from the '50s) are on sale at only P1000-P2000 a piece.  That includes alterations already—sulit!  I actually picked a few pieces (guilty as charged!), and will have them altered after I give birth.  Uh-oh, my first purchase for the week.  But they're definitely worth it!  I was even able to buy a gown :)  How could anyone resist the price offering?  Will post pics once I have them altered :D  That's probably going to be around a few months from now ;)

After mom's fitting session, we headed straight to Theodore's and went straight to their shoe sale area.  Brands include Botkier, Delman, Dru New York, Miss Sixty, Opening Ceremony, Puma and other men's brands.  All priced from P1495-P4995! (Photos are taken from Theodore's facebook page)

The white fabric and silver strap pair (top left) is my fave from the Botkier selections, P3495 each.

The silver round-toe ankle strap pair (bottom left) stood out for me. Delman, P3495 each.

The gladiator wedges (center) and the gem-encrusted 2.5 inch heels (top right) 

are both hits among those who went to check out the sale.  Miss Sixty, P2495 each.

They're all so cute!  I couldn't decide which of them I like the most.  

Opening Ceremony, P3495 each.

Here's hoping they still have stocks and sizes.  And wadaya know, they still do!  I got a pair of Miss Sixty heels worth P8850 that's slashed down to P2,495—a steal, don't you agree?  I didn't realize how good the quality of these shoes were until I opened the box again to take pics when I got home.  The box smells of genuine leather, and I could safely say that the scent might even be stronger than some of my leather handbags!  It sorta gives me a "high" every time I get a whiff of it :)

They also have clothes on sale, and any last piece (clothes or shoes) left are given an additional 10% off.  I saw a Miss Sixty dress priced at about P2500 (last piece, too) in Small size.  Even if I lose weight after giving birth, I won't be able to fit in it, since the bust size for small is a 32-inch.  Oh well, less expenses for me, whew!  Maybe they're meant to be yours?  :)  So, keep your fingers crossed that the last piece is your size and you're in for an extra treat!  Theodore's is located at Quadrant 4, Boni High Street; store hours: M-Th 2-10pm, F-Sat 2pm-11pm and Sun 12pm-9pm; Tel nums: 856-3571, 8561635.

But wait!  My sale shopping week didn't end here.  After the MYOH (Make Your Own Havaianas event) last Friday, we headed straight to Rajo Laurel's birthday sale (up to 70% off, and it's buy-one-take-one!).  Good thing we had a change of heart—we were supposed to go home right after, but thought we should check out Rajo's shop since we were in the area already.  There were still a few great finds, and we tried on all that we could until closing time.  I was surprised that the attendant Jem still remembers me, as I used to borrow clothes from Rajo for shoots, and we chatted while my mom tried on our picks.  Jem shared that there were just too many customers earlier that afternoon who hoarded Rajo's creations—it was the last sale day that Friday.  They couldn't accommodate everyone; good thing we came late.  We had the shop all to ourselves, along with just one other customer.

Nice maternity gown, but no point buying preggy clothes since baby/little J is about to come out :)

These silk jodhpurs are simply fab!  I think they costs about P1500-2000 (discounted). 

I love their big dressing room: it comes with a big comfy couch.  Perfect for me to sit while I wait and help my mom try on her picks.  

Jem was there to assist as well, for any alteration requests.  The room is airconditioned, too!

I got this adorable eyelet cream dress; and it costs only P1,500 after discount :)  How could I resist a sale?  Of course, I have to have it altered (reasonably priced at P500) after.  Too bad, I wasn't able to go earlier that week so I can share this sale event with you.  But Jem informed me that this is an annual sale, so do watch out for it next year :)

Ongoing sales: Paul Smith and Ben Sherman

Better save up for these stores (I have a hunch it will be anytime this month): Zara and Mango