2009 March | Rajo's Blog

Archive for March, 2009

MARTHA…set up!

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

It’s very, very, very rare that I join bridal fairs! I often feel like most bridal fairs are impersonal and well…tacky! However, when it’s Martha Stewart Weddings that invites you to their First Bridal Fair, you just jump in there and grab the opportunity! They were smart enough to give all the suppliers a full day to set up and since I was new again to all of this, I had a stressful time!

I wanted a very intimate setup for my booth, something very similar to what they would experience if they came to my studio. Easier said than done when you only have a 9 meter space! LOL! However I made do! I took photos of some of the booths that caught my eye and was really impressed at how they looked liked. Hope to see you at the fair? I will post more photos when everything is done!

: The main foyer of the fair being set up! I already am liking what I see – those birdcages are quite intriguing.

: Roses galore!

: This was the wrap shop booth! I found it so adorable!

: Love this black and white suite!

: I am sure all my lady friends would go GAGA over this stationary set!

: My booth! LOL!

This was the early stages of my set up! It's still a work in progress. I still have so much more to do! All I know is that it's going to look really special!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: bridal gowns, bridal wear, Fashion Insider, martha stewart, rajo laurel, weddings
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The SKY Suites!

Friday, March 27th, 2009

I have been amiss with my blogging! I make it a habit to do an entry at least once a day. Lately though, I have not been able to do so. The truth of the matter is that nothing is happening to my life that is worth blogging about! LOL! It’s true. This past week has been quite lackluster. I needed something exciting!

Good thing Nix invited me to see his latest design project! My partner Nix is an interior decorator and he was tasked to create the model units of the soon to be launched GA Sky Suites! This is the latest project of Divine Lee. I fondly call her the BUSINESS BOMBSHELL! LOL!

I was so excited to see Nix’s work. He is really very talented and I am SOOOOO proud of him as the model units looked really awesome! He designed 3 variations of the same space! BRAVO NIX! My heart almost jumped out of my chest with joy! I think I got my groove back as now I feel that I have something worth to blog about!

Check it out!

: Nix gave me a personal tour of his latest work!

: The first space was very bright and feminine. It has this European summer flavor to the theme. It felt very fresh and clean,like a spritz of French cologne on a hot day!

: I love how he even had like a tea party setting in the kitchen!

: Top view of the first unit! The magical thing about the units are there are under 50 square meters and yet it felt like there a lot of room. This unit even had 3 bedrooms!

: This is one of the bedrooms in what I call the petit-choux suite!

: I loved this desk! If I were a girl, this would be my choice.

: This is another model unit called AZUL! This was my favorite unit as it suited my aesthetics perfectly. Nix calls this the ultimate bachelor’s pad! It has a single bedroom in a loft set up. EYELAHVET!

This bedroom was HUGE! I love the the coloring!

NIx add some finishing touches to his project.

Nix adds some finishing touches to his project.

HIs attention to detail is bordering on obsessive compulsive! LOL! This lamp in the bachelor's pad is to die for!

HIs attention to detail is bordering on obsessive-compulsive! LOL! This lamp in the bachelor pad is to die for!

The pad even has a huge den!

This unit was designed for the family! It's under 50 square meters, but the space was really intelligently designed that I am left in awe as how large the space really feels and looks.

I like the lamps above the double height ceiling!

A bedroom in the sandal wood unit!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: architecture, Fashion Insider, friends, interior design, rajo laurel, suites
Posted in Fashion Insider | 1 Comment »

Misibis Bay!

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

The main reason for my trip to Legaspi is I did an ocular visit to the MISIBIS BAY resort. I was tasked to design the uniforms of the staff, so they flew me in so that I may get a feel of the place! When I drove up, I was filled with anticipation because I have seen the drawings of the resort and from the drawings alone, I could feel that this was something that appealed to my aesthetic.

The resort is located along the Misibis Bay on a sprawling island that has really majestic views! When I visited the place, it was 80% complete. Even at that point, I could already feel that this is going to be a must- see destination in the Philippines! The resort will be managed by Rain Tree group, the same group that has been receiving massive raves from other resorts like Discovery Shores in Boracay, Camp John Hay in Baguio, and the Discovery in Tagaytay.

The Resort opens on May 1 and they have a promo already listed in their website at www.misibisbay.com For all of you adventure buffs, this is the place to go! I encourage you to come and be the first to visit this beautiful property! I guarantee that you won’t regret it!

Since the main entrance was still in its finishing stages we entered to the side. This was the kids pool are.

Since the main entrance was still in its finishing stages, we entered from the side. This was the kids pool area.

This is the kind of views that you will be getting when you visit the MISIBIS BAY resort.

This is the kind of view that you will be getting when you visit the MISIBIS BAY resort.

This is the main pool area!

They have 20 villas around the resort and these are the villas in the back.

I was really inspired when I visited the rooms, as I am in the works to do my dream beach home and this was the kind of look that I was aiming at! Don't you just love the large glass sliding doors and mirrors?

The entrance of one of the villas. VERY CHIC INDEED!

This is how the room looks like! I am loving the clean lines and soothing colors! Mind you, this is not yet done and they still have to add some finishing touches.

Another view of the room.

The bathrooms are also very modern and minimal. I LIKE!

The villas are linked by a large pool lagoon. I love the fact that each room leads to a swimming area just a few steps away. The pool was so inviting!

There are also some waterfront villas like this one!

I really cannot wait to visit Misibis again and stay in this villa! Imagine waking up to the sunrise on this balcony? HAAAAY!

This is where I want to read and have a foot massage! I can just get lost in the vista!

Another water side villa!

I felt so sad when I had to leave!

The have a small beach in front of the resort and I found this curious looking tree! I thought it was beautiful and scary at the same time!

This is the interiors of the main cafe of the resort!

This is the interior of the main cafe of the resort!

They had these interesting ceiling lights that reminded me of my LEGO as a child. LOL!

You can rent out their chopper if you want and have a quick zip around the area. This is a super cool way of visiting the Mayon volcano, you can really see the crater up close.

You can rent out their chopper if you want and have a quick zip around the area. This is a super cool way of visiting the Mayon volcano, for you can really see the crater up close.

We took a speed boat back to the city it was really fun!

The speed boat ride gave us amazing views of the Mayon volcano during sunset.

The outside dining area of the resort.

Another view of the interiors of the cafe!

Ferdi Salvador is the "Director of Style" for the Raintree resort group ( Don't you just love his job title?) Thanks for the lovely weekend, Ferdi!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: architecture, bicol, design, Fashion Insider, rajo laurel, resort, travel, uniforms, work
Posted in Fashion Insider | 12 Comments »

Magayon Mayon!

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

In the Bicolano dialect, “magayon” means beautiful! I was there for the weekend and had a really BEAUTIFUL experience! It is not my first time in Legaspi. I have visited the place before.

Each time I would visit, I would do a couple of activities, as there is really a lot to see and do in this part of the Philippines. Top of mind is whale shark swimming in Donsol. (YOU ALL MUST DO THIS!) It is a really unforgetable sensation to be swimming with these gentle giants! Another activity is to climb the majestic Mayon Volcano, where you can actually do an ATV ride and see the lava bubbling. The region also has beautiful handicrafts and the basket weaving here is very impressive.

My only beef about Legaspi then was there was really no decent hotels for you to stay in. I am happy to announce that things have changed! I was so impressed and happy with my hotel in Legaspi that you all must come and visit! The hotel is called VENEZIA. (Lower those eyebrows.) I know the name is cheesy, but the service was just sublime! The hotel was completely renovated and is now managed by the Rain Tree group, the same group who does Discovery Shores in Boracay and most of the Dicovery properties! I stayed there only for a night as I had to visit another resort called MISIBIS BAY. ( I will do an entry about that next. )

The breakfast buffet alone is already worth the visit! I am a congee man! I love congee and they had the best congee that I have ever had in a really long time! Here is a pictionary of my visit!

: My flight arrived at 7:!5 am. It only takes 45 minuts to get to Legaspi! The Mayon volcano was very clear that morning. Usually, it is hidden by clouds. I saw this as a good sign that I would having a great weekend getaway!

: HELLO MAYON! It has this perfect cone shape that makes it so iconic.

: The facade of VENEZIA hotel! Finally, a chic boutique hotel to make everyone’s stay more comfortable!

: My room was simple and neat! I loved the size of the bed, which was smaller than a queen but larger than a twin. The sheets were very comfortable too!

: The room was very compact, but perfect for me as I was all alone. It would have been different if we were two.

: The hotel has lots of paintings around, and this Gus Albor caught my eye.

: We drove around town and I was happy because the weather was just wonderful!

: This ferry would take us across the bay to take us to Misibis island.

: Wild flowers abound! Yellow really makes me smile!

: I am glad that I took that morning shot of the Mayon volcano because for the rest of my visit, the clouds were hiding her.

This is the entire town of Legaspi!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: bicol, Fashion Insider, legaspi, mayon, philippines, rajo laurel, summer, travel
Posted in Fashion Insider | 1 Comment »

Carratala!

Friday, March 20th, 2009

I received a wonderful surprise today. My friend Ria Limjap brought some sweet jewelry created by the very talented Helena Carratala. For those fashion babies out there, Helena Carratala (her name then was Helena Guerero) was the famous fashion visionnaire in the late ’70s and ’80s! I remember my Mom wearing her line called AZABACHE and it was FIERCE!

The jewelry line is from her own label called Mangenguey, which is also the name of her beautiful island in Palawan. I have not yet had the chance to see the island but I made a promise to myself that I will see her island soon!

In the meantime, I am very proud to show you her jewelry, which I will be selling in my store! Come and have a look at her lovely pieces!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: Fashion Insider, friends, jewelry, rajo laurel
Posted in Fashion Insider | 1 Comment »

VALENTINO: The Last Emperor

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

For me, Valentino is a god! I have been hearing about this documentary movie about him for over a year now and I’M DYING to see it! It just had its premiere a few days ago. I saw a preview on the documentary some time ago and it was just mesmerizing! I am praying that it goes to DVD fast so I can see it! In the meantime, my NYC correspondent PJ sent me photos from the movie premiere that he was invited to! I would just have collapsed if I met VALENTINO! LOL!

: CLAIRE DANES, MADONNA, GWYNETH PALTROW, VALENTINO GARAVANI, ANNE HATHAWAY

: DAPHNE GUINNESS (MUSE OF PHILIP TREACY/BRITISH SOCIALITE) GIANCARLO GIAMETTI (BUSINESS PARTNER AND LONG TIME LOVER)

: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

: PJ PASCUAL/LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO IN LANVIN

: MARTHA STEWART

: TABITHA SIMMONS (BRITISH SOCIALITE) AND GEORGINA CHAPMAN OF MARCHESA.

: ZAC POSEN AND HELENA CHRISTIENSEN

PADMA LAKSHMI (HOST OF BRAVO'S REALITY TV TOP CHEF/MODEL)

TINSLEY MORTIMER (SOCIALITE) RUMOR HAS IT THAT GOSSIP GIRL WAS BASED ON HER SOCIAL LIFE IN NY.

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: Fashion Insider, new york city, parties, pj pascual, rajo laurel, valentino
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RIIR by Aranaz!

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

I may not have a child, but I now know how a parent must feel when a child does so very, very well! I was beaming with pride when I attended the launch of R2R‘s newest line designed by the very talented Amina Aranaz-Alunan. The collection was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!

When Brother Xavi asked me to be part of the Rags to Riches project, it just felt so right. This is exactly how I envisioned where R2R would be heading a collaboration of minds and talents. Now it feels so wonderful to see the women of Payatas creating these beautiful works of art! I had to leave the launch early but I am sure that the collection sold very well. The rest of you must visit the ARANAZ stores in Greenbelt 5 and in Rockwell – there maybe some stock left. The collection is very limited, so come as soon as possible!

: The beautiful and talented Amina Aranaz-Alunan! Thank you, sweetie, for your giving heart!

: This macrame bag is called LAMBAT, the perfect beach tote! I can see every chic gal carrying it in Bora, Bohol and Cebu!

: I loved the concept of the presentation for the launch. Amina, who owns and teaches at the fashion school called SOFA, had the students create lovely “paper” dresses as a perfect foil for the bags!

: I love this bag called the MARIA ROSA!

: A detail shot of the Maria Rosa tote. The rosettes are just so adorable! Can anyone imagine that this used to be scrap and trash?

: I found the perfect summer bag and it’s called APLAYA! This just made me almost scream with delight! The colors are just to die for!

: Amina invited established Filipino fashion designers to participate in the launch. This was created by Dong Omaga-Diaz.

: This amazing dress was done by my dear friend Jojie Lloren. It’s made from newspaper! However, he fused it and sewed the paper like it was a dress! The bag is also soooooo chic!

: A close up of the limited rosette bag with a mother of pearl handle!

: This dress was done by a student of SOFA. The clutch is called Maria Rosa and there are only 12 available.

: Dong Omaga-Diaz with his creation!

: Amina with the entire R2R and Aranaz team! I am so envious that I did not get a pink Aranaz t-shirt. I want one! LOL!

: A fantastic tableau on how kindness and eco-chic can blend together and spell FABULOUS!

: This clutch is really special! I adore the composition of the mother of pearl and the rosettes.

: More stunning styles!

: The soul behind R2R: Brother XAVI!

: More colors of the APLAYA!

: I like the color of this bag!

: Come and get it!

HUGS!

RAJO!

Tags: bags, charity, eco-chic, Fashion Insider, friends, r2r, rags 2 riches, rajo laurel, riir
Posted in Fashion Insider | 2 Comments »

FLOW #3

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

My favorite couple in Manila invited me to a cocktail party last night and I just had to be there. My favorite couple is none other that Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo! They are two of the most talented and creative Filipinos around. They have been a major style influence in the metropolis since the very start. I am a fan of these two, and they are simply awesome!

The cocktail party was for the launch of their newest creative adventure as “curators” for the art magazine called Flow. I was so happy that they invited me because I have seen this magazine on the stands but I really never knew what it was! I never had the chance to open it. Now I want to get my hands on all 3 issues! LOL! The magazine is very good and it has a real pulse on the local art scene. The cocktail itself was fun a mixture of very interesting people: artists. designers, social figures and the like!

I really enjoyed the food they served. It was really yummy! All in all, it was great party! You would not expect anything less from Chito and Ricky!

The curators for the evening: Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo! They are the owners of the fabulous stores FIRMA, FELICITY and AC+632. Don't you just adore the patterns of their shirts!

They had an exhibit of the art work that was in the new magazine! Among the art works this really caught my eye! It is done by the artist called BRUIHN! I was in awe of the flawlessness of his brush stroke! I love the almost like flemish like lighting but with a true pinoy sense of humor!

They had an exhibit of the art work that was in the new magazine! Among all the art works, this one really caught my eye! It is done by the artist called BRUIHN. I was in awe of the flawlessness of his brush stroke. I love the almost Flemish-like lighting, but with a true Pinoy sense of humor!

I wanted to actually buy this painting, as I fell in love with it! Sadly it was not for sale. This was also done by BRUIHN.

One of my fave photographers also showed that evening. I had the chance to work with him before and all I can say is Juan Caguicla si really INTENSE! This photograph in collaboration with Ronald Ventura was just very moving for me.

two artists....Filmaker Quark Henares and Photographer Juan Caguicla.

Two artists....Filmmaker Quark Henares and Photographer Juan Caguicla.

This was kind of odd for me but I thought that it was provocative, its like floating giant LUYA! LOL!

This was kind of odd for me, but I thought that it was provocative, like a floating giant LUYA! LOL!

Two chic ladies! Angelette and Marissa!

I love how this mother and son looked really good! GOD was good to these two!

This was a cool group shot! Bea and Marga Valdes with Ricky and Chito!

ARTSY LADIES! Angelette, Tippi and Leah!

Marissa Lopa did her own jewelry herself that evening and I thought it was very nice!

HOTTIE of the night! My friend TJ Trinidad! I have known him for years and his is one fine specimen of MANHOOD! DAYUM!

HOTTIE of the night: my friend TJ Trinidad! I have known him for years and he is one fine specimen of MANHOOD! DAYUM!

The food in the party was just superb. Bambi Sy Gobio of Resaurante Pia Y Damaso did the catering! I LOVE HER FOOD!

My girl Leica giving me FIERCE!

Tessa popped in and she looked lovely! She was so excited to tell me that she found her dress in Crossings at the amazing price of 2,100 Pesos! Now that is what I call RECESSION CHIC! LOL!

One of the topics of the evening was this floral KARITON! HMMMM..... What do you think?

Summer whites was a prevailing look of the evening. NIx and Mandy did it so effortlessly!

I told you white was everywhere! Miss BB Gandanghari looked so FRESH in her blouse! I cannot wait for my chance to dress her up!

Agoo Bengzon was just the best cocktail partner that evening! NIx and I were given instant lectures on how we should treat our skin, and as much as possible, avoid the sun. Thanks sweets! FYI: We already bought sunscreen this morning!

GET YOUR FLOW COPY#3 NA!

BIG HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: art, artists, cocktail party, Fashion Insider, food, friends, magazines, parties, rajo laurel
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Journey!

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

I was given free tickets to watch the band Journey last Saturday! I have a confession to make: I am the farthest thing from a rock and roller, and I kind of know the songs of Journey, but I was not really a fan. My ’80s music was more of the New Vave variety, like The Cure and Siouxsie and The Banshees. LOL!

Being the “Kaladkarin” that I am, I was not going to pass up an opportunity of a free ticket! LOL! I also wanted to experience for myself the powerful voice of Arnel Pineda! For all of you who do not know the fantastic story of Arnel Pineda, do not worry – a documentary is now in the works and the movie on his story will be out soon enough. In the meantime, log on to YouTube and search for him to hear his amazing voice. I had goose bumps the minute he started to perform! Every inch of my body would tingle with pride when he would shout “para sa iyo ito, PILIPINAS!” I wanted to be part of that momentous occasion. Even if I didn’t know all the songs of Journey, I was still so ecstatic to be there!

My photos were not that great, so I lifted and borrowed these from my friends Cyrene de la Rosa and JJ Yulo! They had better seats and better photos than me! LOL!

: So proud of this man! Makes me really proud to be PINOY!

The weather was perfect and the audience area was full to the perimeters!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: concert, Fashion Insider, friends, journey, music, philippines, rajo laurel
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The Young Entrepreneur Awards!

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Last week, I had the privilege to be a judge and the keynote speaker (NAKS!) at the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards! This was such a special project for me, as I think of myself as half a businessman and half a designer. It is so important for me to make young people realize the value of business and that it’s not all pomp and pageantry. I was asked by HSBC to judge the contest late last year, and it was a great experience. There were almost a hundred applicants form various schools and universities in the Philippines and it was narrowed down to five for the grand finals!

The board of Judges were so impressive that I found myself a bit insecure being part of the panel. They were all pillars of the business industry, like Jaime Zobel, Lance Gokongwei, Alfred Xerez-Burgos and the like. (Proudly, I held my own, though. LOL! )

The board of judges was stellar! I mean, 10 major individuals in the business industry! HANEP talaga!

I was so nervous when they asked me to be the keynote speaker. All I could think of was....I am not worthy! LOL!

The prizes were staggering! That alone should inspire many others to join next year. A bit of trivia for you: 4 of the 5 finalists were from the Ateneo and the other one was from La Salle. However, most of the judges came from La Salle! LOL!

Check out the prizes! I mean, that's a whole lot of money!

It was really a fantastic experience for me, as I was really nervous giving my speech. But I guess I did well, as they gave me a standing ovation after, and all the judges stood up, patted me on the back, and shook my hand. A proud moment in my life!

Here are some images and photos from the competition. For all you students reading this, I suggest you all join next year because it’s really a major opportunity!

This group was called the Atlantis group, they won 3rd place! The business that they propose was using the janitor (pest) fish and changing this to fish meal to use a feed for hogs.( they won 125,000.00 pesos and a study trip to Hong Kong!)

This group was called the Atlantis group. They won 3rd place! The business that they proposed was using the janitor (pest) fish and changing this to fish meal to use a feed for hogs. (They won 125,000.00 Pesos and a study trip to Hong Kong!)

The panel of judges! To my left was Anton Huang (Vice President of Rustan's and SSI - he is the man who is giving us most of our fashion highlights like PRADA, GUCCI, MARC JACOBS, ZARA and soon, HERMES!!! A big hug to you, Anton!) Right next to him is Lance Gokongwei. The man is like a GENIUS! He is the president of so many companies - it's a wonder how he can fit all of those in the day!

These kids wond the Eco-Business award! They propose to turn coconut leaves into plates.

These kids won the Eco-Business award! They proposed to turn coconut leaves into plates.

I liked this group a lot! They are the Chains for change group, the business idea is to transform old clothes into fashionable hand bags! I love how my advocacy RAGS TO RICHES inspired them! They won the 2nd prize!!! ( 200,000.00 pesos and a study trip to Hong Kong! MAJOR DIBA!)

I liked this group a lot! They are the Chains for Change group, whose business idea is to transform old clothes into fashionable handbags! I love how my advocacy RAGS TO RICHES inspired them! They won the 2nd prize!!! (200,000.00 pesos and a study trip to Hong Kong! MAJOR DIBA!)

The gold goes to the group called BELEAVERS! The business idea was creating semi-disposable plates from fallen coconut leaves! I loved the energy of their presentation and the banter between the two presenters were really in-sync. I also like the BARONG Tagalog outfits,as the rest of the groups were in suits. These young men stood out for me because they wore the national shirt! Plus they really had a SOLID business idea! For this, they win a whopping 300,000.00 pesos!!!! Plus the honor to represent the country in the international Young Entrepreneur Awards to be held in Hong Kong! Congratulations guys! I know that you will do very very well in the international finals!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: business, economics, Fashion Insider, hsbc, judge, rajo laurel, students
Posted in Fashion Insider | 2 Comments »

StyleBible.ph

Archive for March, 2009

MARTHA…set up!

The SKY Suites!

Misibis Bay!

Magayon Mayon!

Carratala!

VALENTINO: The Last Emperor

RIIR by Aranaz!

FLOW #3

Journey!

The Young Entrepreneur Awards!

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