The dusky beauty carried out her role quite regally throughout the night, with even Donald Trump—owner of the Miss Universe Organization—noticing and telling reporter Dyan Castillejo, “Miss Philippines looks like she was born into royalty.” Flaunting her incredibly svelte figure in a studded periwinkle bikini in the preliminary swimwear competition of the pageant and later, in a slinky silver evening gown created by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza (wonder why her gown wasn’t designed by a Filipino designer?), Venus was the embodiment of beguiling Filipina beauty.

Venus was one of the most applauded contestants during the show—the Philippine contingent cheered for her so loudly that the hosts of the show, Natalie Morales and Bret Michaels, were prompted to cheerfully comment on their very audible support. The question and answer part of the pageant, however, sealed her fate as a contender; her response did not merit the top spot in the competition. The last of the five finalists to go, she picked judge William Baldwin’s question: “What is one big mistake that you’ve made in your life and what did you do to make it right?”

“Thank you so much, Sir for that wonderful question,” she replied at first. She then followed up with: “You know what, Sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here, thank you thank you so much.”

She may have clearly fumbled, but that still didn’t stop the outpouring of love and support of Pinoys who are rooting for her. Twitter was abuzz with outbursts of cheers and support, and naturally, the fashion community was at the forefront of it all. Designer Rajo Laurel tweeted, “OMG!!!! Venus Raj!!!! I am shaking!!!!” when he found out that Venus made it to the top five, later tweeting “So very proud of you!!!! Miss VENUS RAJ!!!!” and mentioning that her answer was “very honest and truthful!”

Celebrity stylist Jenni Epperson, meanwhile, made light of Venus’s Q&A fumble, tweeting, “Everyone in the studio is in ‘Major, major’ mode—major, major lafang; major, major chika; major, major fashion,” but ended the post with “We major, major love VENUS!”

Former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez had a similar reaction, tweeting, “What would I answer if I was Venus? With my past mistakes i have sooo many 2 choose from. Mag-iisip muna ako in a MAJOR MAJOR way! LOL! ” A few minutes later she says, “Gosh naluma ang GRABE, OVER, CHORVA, BONGGA! The ‘IN’ word for today is ‘MAJOR, MAJOR’! Thanks 2 Venus Raj who captured our hearts! GO GIRL!”

So, yes, she definitely may not have bagged the top prize in the competition, but Venus still undoubtedly made our nation proud in a major way. And we have no doubt that even President Noynoy Aquino is proud of her!

“]

Venus meets President Aquino [Photo: Francis Toral (@francisbtoral) from his TwitPic account

Congratulations, Venus!

Jae

Ann Jacobe tweeted about having bought a pair the other day and yesterday she posted a photo of how she wore it.

"The skirt and my bootie with yellow evelyne. Wore my McQ knitdress as top."

Ann, who is on this year’s Best Dressed List,  is wearing a McQ dress as a top, Alexander McQueen booties and skull ring, and an Hermès Evelyne bag.

Her look is still earthy and utilitarian. Love the flash of yellow!

Thanks for letting me repost this Anne!

How do you wear leather?

Isha.

P.S.

You still have the chance to with Andi Eigenman’s cover story wardrobe from The Ramp. Join the promo here >>

Miriam Quiambao tweeted about Miss Doll Universe last month and how she was chuffed that the doll was inspired by her. I checked out the link and was immediately amused by all the Barbie-type dolls photographed in various stages of the pageant—national costume, swimsuit competition, and evening gowns adorned with the requisite sash. Even the chandelier earrings and little tiaras were a sight! What’s extra amazing is how the dolls do have different eye shapes, skin tone, hair color, and features depending on the country they represent.

Screencap of www.missdu.net/

I was able to email Miriam a few questions about the whole thing and she was kind enough to respond right away. (Please forgive my delay in posting this!)

1. How did you find out that you were the inspiration for the Ms. Philippines contestant?

ABS-CBN’s Rated K (hosted by Korina Sanchez) wanted to do a feature about dolls and a story on Miss Doll Universe 2010. They informed me that they interviewed the organizers who mentioned that I was their inspiration for the Philippine delegate. I thought it was really so CUTE! I just had to share it! Even Halle Berry looked like herself and even Donald Trump! Sobrang career!

Miss Body Beautiful in the Swimsuit Competition. Screencap from www.missdu.net

2. What do you think are the similarities between your features and that of the doll’s?
The Miriam doll is elegant, pretty, and sexy and I’m actually flattered that they even chose her has as Miss Body Beautiful! Even her pose was like my signature pose! Haha!

Well, I’ve gained a few pounds since the pageant but the other similarities I find are that she’s morena with long black hair (my hair used to be long when I joined) and her face looks Asian. She has a pleasant smile.

BFFs Miss Philippines and Miss Spain. Screencap from www.missdu.net

3. Your name is mentioned in the BFF gallery where the Ms. Philippines doll is featured with the Ms. Spain doll. Did you have a similarly close friendship with another contestant when you joined Ms. Universe?
I was hanging out lot with Miss Peru and a group of girls would have noodle parties in Miss Thailand’s room. Eventually, Miss Northern Marianas and I hung out when she came to visit me here. Miss Panama and I are still friends on Facebook!

Doing Miriam's signature stance in her evening gown. Screencap from www.missdu.net

4. How does it feel to have a doll fashioned after you?
It felt very heartwarming to discover that I was their inspiration for the Miss Doll-Philippines. It’s amazing that people still remember what we had accomplished in Miss Universe more than 10 years ago. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent our beloved Philippines and the gift to influence in a positive way.

Thank you so much Miriam!

Go through the galleries of Miss Doll Universe at www.missdu.net. I guarantee you’ll have fun!

Isha.

P.S.

Miss Philippines won the competition in 2006. Teehee!

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Two procedures and two clinics came to mind.

First, Liposmash at Aesthetic Science. I’ve actually tried this treatment myself on my upper arms and in one session, I lost 3 cm on each arm (a figure generated by measuring the upper, middle, and lower parts of my upper arm and totalling the before and after differences.) Reggie tried the same procedure on her inner thighs and noticed the same decrease. It came to mind because it’s non-invasive and meant to be coupled with exercise and a proper diet, criteria that fit her situation.

Second, Lipotomy at The Skin and Laser Clinic. Apart from loving the Fort Bonifacio clinic of Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, I was well impressed by how quickly the treatment showed results. The process itself does not use any drugs or medicines. Instead SlimTonic—a physiological salt solution—is injected into the surface area, followed by a special kneading massage and use of the ultrasound machine, then the use of a body brace or corset for some time after to manage oedemas.  (Read more about Lipotomy here >>). On the day we were invited to visit a patient who had just had it done was there for a check up and he said that after just two days, he was already on the last notch of his brace.

Ultimately, exercise and a proper diet are the best way to get back to your old figure or achieve an even better one. Of course, this takes time and there will always be those stubborn pockets of fat that don’t want to go away. This is where various slimming treatments come in. While there are many offers in the market, it’s very important to do your research—read literature, ask questions, talk to people who have tried it, and consult with a doctor—before making the decision to try one. It is after all your body that will be affected.

Do you have helpful and speedy weight loss tips to share?

Isha.

Here’s what we were wearing yesterday:

Reg in her typical workaday outfit: a hip-hugging skirt paired with a simple top, topped off with a necklace.

Jae in a blazer, black leggings, and a loose gray tank top cinched by a leather belt.

We ended up toying around with the camera the whole afternoon, somehow gravitating towards the fax machine. Here’s one of the photos Yayay took:

Nikki, Jae, and Reg, starring in "Fax Paper Diaries." LOL!

Jae & Reg

The workmanship is quite nice actually, the designer obviously did his research in entomology. Finely etched details on the metals give a lovely texture to each critter. They also look like they’re molded from flat sheet metal, meaning they’re light.

I suppose it blends in nicely with the irridescent metallic brocades they used for the Fall-Winter 2010 collection. It adds a note of “Woodland Elf” whimsy to the otherwise staid silhouettes.

This particular piece makes me think of Egyptian royalty (or Wicked!), what with the little golden scarab charms. The jewelry is made of antique silver, with some earrings coated in colored enamel for a gleaming finish.

While they’re quite piercingly pretty (if you’re attracted to fashion’s more scientific experiments–see DSquared spine-heeled sandals here), I don’t see them reaching the cult status of say, Bulgari’s serpent jewelry.

Still, I don’t think I’d mind sporting the golden beetle on one of Bottega’s beautiful cuffs. “Dangerous” and “fierce” are the fashion words of the moment, after all.

SEE BOTTEGA VENETA’S FINE JEWELRY CRITTERS HERE >>

Isha.

My go-to is Essie’s Playa del Platinum. Its a really light sandy-grey that goes on totally opaque and matches all my outfits! I was once stopped in the mall while wearing this by a girl who had been looking for the perfect grey polish!

Essie Playa del Platinum from essie.com

Whowhatweardaily.com suggested this polish from Dashing Diva from their article about Heather Gray Nails. I wonder if they have this shade in our branches in Manila. The editors noted that the hue for the season mimics concrete as opposed to the mushroom/taupe “it” color of spring.

Dashing Diva Astor Place from dashingdiva.com

You can also opt for a little sparkle for the night with this sophisticated gunmetal shade. Lippman Collection’s Hit Me With Your Best Shot was specially created by 80’s icon Pat Benatar.

Lippman Collection Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Love the color and love the song! From lippmancollection.com

Nail polish brand Strange Beautiful isn’t available for sale here but hop on over to the Nail Spa which carries the polishes. Check out the shade second from the left. It looks the perfect dove-grey with hints of bluish slate.

Strange Beautiful Volume 2 from strangebeautiful.biz

Rescue Beauty’s Stormy looks so chic and creamy!

Rescue Beauty Lounge in Stormy from rescuebeauty.com. Ugh I really want this!

What do you think? Will you be trying on some grey polish anytime soon?

Reggie

]]> http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/2010/08/11/trend-to-try-grey-nails/feed/ 1 http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/2010/08/10/separated-at-birth/ http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/2010/08/10/separated-at-birth/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:52:09 +0000 beba http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/?p=2377 Twitter is definitely part of our lives here in Style Bible. Fast information, photos and a whole lot more! (Follow us: @stylebibleph)

Anyhow, makeup artist, Jigs Mayuga tweeted about the new Meg campaign he worked on featuring Bianca Gonzales rockin’ a print on print ensemble (love the look!).

We couldn’t help but think, “Doesn’t she look like stylist Pam Quinones in that photo?”

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Bianca Gonzales & Pam Quinones

What do you think?

SOURCE OF PHOTOS: Jigs Mayuga (Bianca G.) & Pam Quinones

Jacque

This photo was taken from the launch of Style Bible in 2008. Haha! I remember that dress.

All the invitees had their own unique invites, which were published in an album in Facebook.

Here’s Pauline’s

and Agoo’s

and Liz’

and my personal favorite, Rorie’s (the drama!)

More on the event tomorrow. Stay tuned

Isha.

The charming façade of the store.

I first heard the name Don Protasio during Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2010 last May, where the Filipino designer (formerly based in Iloilo) showcased an all-red street wear collection. So when Martin Dishman, owner of The One Hotel (my home in Siem Reap), mentioned Don’s name and store after hearing about my fashion-related job and abiding love for poetry and words, I was intrigued. I promptly made the super short walk from my hotel to the store, which both enjoy a lovely location in the Old Market Area of Siem Reap.

Basically, Poetry is a store that sells quirky clothes, bags, accessories, and various other knickknacks. Don wasn’t there when I visited, but I caught up with him when I was back in Manila and asked him to tell me all about his venture.

“I came here in Siem Reap for a fashion show and was fascinated by the place. In short, I was inspired! We [Don and Loven] decided if ever I move here we will have a shop that will house our crazy designs,” said Don. “In 2007 I moved and by mid 2008 we had Poetry.”

“Poetry is a collab store with my best friend Loven Ramos [an avant-garde artist, graphic designer, and photographer, among other things]. We’ve been friends since college along with his wife Faith,” Don stated. “Let’s just say we connect creatively and we do crazy stuff together. So Poetry is one of those things we came up with over some coffee.”

“Loven and I basically create stuff for the store based on poetic inspirations. It doesn’t have to be literal but could be a mélange of stuff from here and there. We view Poetry as sort of playground and not unlike a magazine that we edit, tweak and change according to our whim.”

Don's clothes on the racks. He was one of Preview's Designers to Watch in 2007.

“I was based in Iloilo before and I’ve been doing fashion here and there. I’m basically an autodidact but my fascination and love for clothing construction has led me to this full-time career. I’m basically in love with the process of creating clothes and doing fashion shows. I’m a fashion carnivore and I love intellectual fashion.”

A rack of Don's designs at the back of the store. He counts Helmut Lang as his greatest fashion hero. "My obsession extends up to collecting and rummaging through piles of ukay to collect his designs. I also buy from E-bay," said Don.

I love the stairs that lead to the second floor! Each step carries a line from a lovely poem (I don't know whose).

The even quirkier second floor.

According to Don, these bags with witty slogans were inspired by Loven's birthday gift to his wife, who's obsessed with Louis Vuitton.

A selection of "scrawled-on" scarves. I got myself the pink one, which has the names of my favorite poets and authors. I thought it was made especially for me! Heehee.

Don said, "The stickers, scarves and basically everything in the shop is our reaction to being an 'anti-souvenir' souvenir shop. We don't want to sell stuff that other people sell, too. We want it to be witty and also to work in your life when you get back home. But still it will remind you of Cambodia."

Poetry's shopping bag. ♥

Poetry is located on The Alley West in the Old Market Area of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Jae