Design Genius

 To produce a reality show, it takes months or even more than a year to actually finish everything. It takes hard work, determination and lots of coffee for you to be able to produce a good one. Good thing I was able to be part of this international design competition show called Design Genius. No, I'm not a contestant (I can't even sew my own dress haha), but I'm honoured and proud to be part of their finale episode as a guest judge. 

 I flew to Cebu last year to shoot at Bigfoot Entertainment for the show and everyone welcomed me with big smiles. It didn't feel like work too because I really enjoyed everyone's company- and of course, meeting the people who made Design Genius happen is a wonderful thing for me. 

 For those of you who do not know what Design Genius is all about, it's about talented emerging fashion designers from around the world - Belgium, UK, Switzerland, Spain, India, Italy and the Philippines - gather with one goal in mind: to be crowned the new fashion prodigy and win the title of "Design Genius". The fashion-packed competition series pits three designers against each other competing for recognition and the chance to win $25,000. 

With the outrageous fashion designer-turned-reality star, Indashio. He's the host and judge for the series. Believe me when I say he's one of the funniest and coolest people I've met so far. So down to earth too! Student designer Bianca Bernardo from SLIMS Fashion and Arts School in Manila represents the Philippines in the upcoming episodes. I also make a special appearance as guest judge on the final episode of the show. It's still unbelievable every time I think about it. To be part of an international show is something else. Thank you guys for having me!

 The production is awesome. They really spent a lot of time and effort making the studio look unique and lovely. 

 Their challenges are really hard. Some examples would be making a dress out of car equipment, etc. It's actually very cool because you get to fuel your creativity. Here's an example of someone's work when I was there. 

(YSL earrings, Enrico Carado dress, Margiela belt, Alexander Mcqueen heels) 

Thank you so much Enrico Carado for lending me this dress. I know it was taken last year but I still had to post it because it's incredibly amazing. I'm sure it took a lot of time to make this dress because of the style and design. I love it. 

I still can't tell you guys about my full experience when I was there because I was part of the finale episode- but wait for my post about it next time. As for now, please watch Design Genius. It shows every Tuesday on the Fashion One Channel around 10:30pm. For other countries, please check the ad below.

You can check out some of the trailers HERE and HERE. BMS.

Fashion That Fits

Let me introduce to you SM's Fashion That Fits webisode. Each episode, they get a stylist or a blogger to help out girls who have fashion problems. Last 2012, I was a brand ambassador for SM Girls Teen Wear and was able to be part of their webisode too! You can watch it above. This year, I am very honored that they got me for their season 2 premiere- it's also their first episode this 2013! 

Since it's February, it's all about dressing for prom and dinner dates/ after parties. Let me show you some BTS photos from our shoot. All the cameras were set while I read the questions that I'm supposed to answer for the shoot.

 Here are my winners Claire and Yel.

 Here I am asking them questions on what they want to to wear, their style, etc.

  The people behind Manila Man. I love working with them actually- they're so chill and funny!

 Naks! We attempted the elevator shots. Mejo mahirap. Hahaha.

I felt like a little girl that was locked in a room full of shoes! You can definitely tell I'm a shoe lover.

 I actually missed styling people. Here I am fixing Claire's dress and accessories. 

The entire team behind SM Fashion That Fits. What I love best with my work is I get to meet new people all the time, and I can say I definitely enjoyed working with all of them. If you want to see the final video, watch it below:

Hope it also helped you guys in a way! BMS.

Wear White

 A few weeks ago, I had a shoot at the Blanc Gallery for Philippines Star. It was a quick shoot and it was my first feature this 2013 too! Here are some behind the scenes photos from the shoot.

I love it when Roy Macam takes my photos. He's such a natural!

 I'm also addicted to this Lemon Shop headband. It's such a great way to accentuate your entire ensemble. The pearls make the entire look softer and more relaxed. Now, here's the final photo that they used:

 (Lemon Shop headband, Virgos Lounge top, H&M skirt, Gareth Pugh shoes)

The theme of the shoot was "How to Wear White This Year" and this was my interpretation. I wanted to wear pieces that make a statement even without any effort- so I wore these:

     1. Lemon Shop headband- something that will definitely make any look cuter. 

     2. Virgos Lounge top- sequined dots never fail! I like it loose too, making me look thinner and taller.

     3. Uneven skirt from H&M- striking.

     4. Gareth Pugh wedges- I don't even have to describe how this can make a statement

I'm also happy to be featured with lovely ladies Kai Lim, Lucille Dizon and Janthina Fong! If you want to read the entire article, just click HERE. Thank you so much Bea Ledesma for including in your article. BMS.

Lights All Over

 (Goody hair tie, Cole Vintage necklace, Seventh Street top/ shorts, Casio watch, Kandi Treats cuff, Chanel bag, Comfit heels)

I have to be honest. Having same prints + strong colors really mark on my mind. I’ve seen and thought of far more creative ways to accessorize and be more creative if my looks are bold and out there- that’s why I love this top and short from Seventh Street. One bright thing I can say is its prints are able to effortlessly standout and its radiant presence cannot be denied. This matching top + shorts combination also make you look more sophisticated than usual. It's really because of the magnificent prints and outstanding quality of the fabric- that's why I wore this when I was invited to be a speaker for Entrepreneur Magazine.

I was invited to be one of the four speakers to share how I turned my passion into business. I normally get emails to be speakers in some schools, events and universities but I always find myself too shy to participate- however this was an exception. I was really honored when I got this invite. I shared how I started and how the blogging community influences me in my everyday living. I was also very proud and honored to meet different people from the business world.

This year, I will try and engage more in these kinds of talks and events. BMS.

Thank you with all my heart

Remember my Sony x BMS contest? Well, part of mechanics said that you have to buy Preview Magazine's September issue with yours truly on the cover (together with my Camille and Tricia) and write a message for me. I didn't expect all these messages to be extremely touching up to a point that I almost cried. No exaggeration! When I started blogging, I never knew I could actually inspire so many people- and you guys telling me this is extremely overwhelming. To all my readers, you guys are the best. If I can only meet each and everyone of you, I'd do it so I can thank you guys personally! Here are some of my favorite messages (it's too touching not to share to all of you):

Some are actually too small to read, my apologies. If you want to check out the other messages people posted online, click HERE. I haven't chosen the Sony winners yet, but will definitely do it this week! Thank you everyone for the effort. BMS.

Preview Magazine: The Cover Shoot

Okay... Let me gather all my thoughts: G%#@W!&*J#A?<%P}=#^M<$*!!!!!!!!! Oh, I'm sorry, I just can't express how happy I am that I'm part of Preview Magazine's cover together with bloggers Tricia and Camille. I still can't believe I'm in a cover of a magazine- and it's not just any magazine- it's Preview magazine-- and not only that, it's their big fashion issue! Okay, dramatic I know, pero ibang level ang kaligayahan ko!! I almost fainted when they asked me if I can be part of the cover. I really jumped, shouted and nearly cried. I can still remember my very first feature with Preview: December 2009 with Agot Isidro on the cover and I was on the last page called "best dressed". I was so kilig with the feature and didn't expect I was going to be featured again as one of the best dressed women last 2011. Akala ko yun na yun.. so WOW.. Just imagine my joy when they asked me to be part of the cover. Again, thank you Preview magazine- you made my dream come true. 

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from our shoot:

Being made up by Pong Niu. She's one of my favorite make up artists! The peg was simple: FRESHNESS. Yes, ilayo kami sa usual blogger look namin, which is smokey and hair down, to a clean and fresh look.

 The three make up artists: Pong Niu, Owen Sarmiento and Omar Ermita

 I swear, I've never seen so many shoes for a shoot. The most I've pulled out for a shoot were only 15 pairs of shoes, and mine's are the affordable ones.. These ones are mixes of everything! I can even spot Louis Vuitton heels. 

 I get so kilig every time I see this photo. Being styled by my sister Liz and Daryl Chang and being art directed by my brother Vince. Okay fine, they're my siblings but it's still different in the workplace. May halong pressure!!! 

 Our dresses were origami-inspired and were made designed by THE Cary Santiago. 

I've never met him yet but every time I see his design, I fall in love with it. 

 It's nice to be working with people you love- and I mean working with the Preview team and posing with co-bloggers Tricia and Camille. 

Photographer Paolo Pineda in action. Nakakatawa, everyone is so serious! Hahaha. 

Of course, hindi magtatapos ang blog post nito kung wala akong thank you sa mga taong to:

Paolo Pineda for shooting us and April Lozada/ Tony Santos for assisting

Liz Uy and Daryl Chang for styling and Abby Aranda, MJ Benitez and Meg Manzano for assisting

Vince Uy for art directing

Pong Niu for my make up, Omar Ermita for Tricia's and Owen Sarmiento for Camille's

Mark Familara and Buern Rodriguez for our hair

Beauty and Butter for our nails

Karen Bolilia, Anna Canlas and Daryl Chang for the wonderful article

Celyn Jaravata, my lovely assistant who always takes my BTS/ outfit shots

And of course, Pauline Juan and the entire Preview team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

And siyempre- never miss ang group shot after the shoot! Too bad Liz and Daryl left already, but at least we're still semi complete. Watch our BTS video HERE.

Please do grab a copy of the issue. The article is really interesting and it will make you learn more about blogging and the internet. And aside from our cover story, there are a lot more engrossing pages like Preview's top 10 picks of brands making their mark in the local retail scene, the designs of PEFTA batch 2011, amazing fashion editorials, etc. Thanks again Preview for putting your faith in us. And to my readers, I promise you won't regret buying an issue! 
And by the way, did I tell you about the Preview App? By simply downloading it for FREE, the country’s modern and stylish Filipina can get exclusive contents, write ups, illustrations and styling tips culled from both the September issue! Download HERE. BMS.