Archive for April, 2009

Save Venice!

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Did you know that the beautiful Italian state of Venice is sinking?  Scientists are now scrambling to find a cure to this very sad phenomenon, hence the need for awareness and a whole lot of fund raising.  Philanthropy is the new black!  LOL!

My ever reliable New York correspondent was right in the thick of things when he sent me photos from the “Save Venice” masked ball!  The glamorous crown came in full force, wearing the most beautiful masks.  This is inspiring….Hmmm?  I wonder if we could have a massive fundraiser to help save the beautiful churches all over our islands that are in dire need of restoration?  It’s something to think about, isn’t it?

Will Cotton's mask

Will Cotton's mask

Matthew White's Mask

Matthew White's mask

Bill Cunningham (NY Times Photographer) and Lara Meiland Shaw

Bill Cunningham (NY Times Photographer) and Lara Meiland Shaw

Alexandra Lind Rose, Luigi Tadini, Olivia Chatecaille

Alexandra Lind Rose, Luigi Tadini, Olivia Chatecaille

Anthony Todd

Anthony Todd

Tinsley Mortimer

Tinsley Mortimer

PJ PASCUAL- IN A ROSE ANNE PAMPELONNE

PJ PASCUAL- in a Rose Anne Pampelonne

YARA DEVLIEGER- MARCHESA

Yara Devlieger-Marchesa

John Dempsey (MAC Cosmetics), Alina Cho

John Dempsey (MAC Cosmetics), Alina Cho

HUGS!
RAJO!

Miss Teen Beauty Pageant!

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

While I was in Dumaguete recently, I was asked to judge the Negros Oriental Miss Teen Philippines 2009 beauty pageant.  I did not hesitate, as I was already there and I thought that it would be fun.  I have been watching these things since I was like a child, so it seems almost integral to our culture.

I had a great time and I was really impressed by the organizers, as they were really polished and professional.  My only beef would be that the girls were acting too rigid and stiff – it was as if they were not teenagers anymore.  They all had this “trained” quality about them that they ended up like beautiful robotic androids.  However, I was really stunned by the beautiful young ladies of my mother’s hometown!  Congratulations to the winners and I know that you will do very well in the finals!

 The opening number!  The girls represent the various provinces in Negros Oriental. Like Tanjay, Bais, Guihulngan  and many more.  They actually held local pageants then sent them to Dumaguete for the regionals. Its quite a professional event. When the organizers were explaining it to me it sounded like an olympic sport! LOL!

The opening number! The girls represent the various provinces in Negros Oriental. Like Tanjay, Bais, Guihulngan and many more. They actually held local pageants then sent them to Dumaguete for the regionals. It's quite a professional event. When the organizers were explaining it to me, it sounded like an Olympic sport! LOL!

 This is my friend Angelo Villanueva!  Here he is wearing the shades I got for him in the UKAY-UKAY!  I knew that it would fit him perfectly!  He is a fashion stylist and a fantastic DJ.  His DJ name is SUPERMODEL DIVA!

This is my friend Angelo Villanueva! Here he is, wearing the shades I got for him in the UKAY-UKAY! I knew that it would fit him perfectly! He is a fashion stylist and a fantastic DJ. His DJ name is SUPERMODEL DIVA!

 These girls stood out in the start of the contes.

These girls stood out in the start of the contest.

 I found this girl really pretty!  She is what you call a classic mestiza.

I found this girl really pretty! She is what you call a classic mestiza.

  This girl is Kaye, she was quite tall almost 5 foot 8' !  This made me notice her immediately.

This girl is Kaye, she was quite tall almost 5 foot 8! This made me notice her immediately.

 I was super impressed by the computer set up, making the tabulation more efficient.

I was super impressed by the computer setup, making the tabulation more efficient.

The cup-cake inspired gowns.  I was like telling myself.....RAJO.....BE NICE!

The cupcake-inspired gowns. I was like telling myself.....RAJO.....BE NICE!

This is Kaye she eventually  won the top prize!  She is really smart and spoke extremely well!

This is Kaye, who eventually won the top prize! She is really smart and spoke extremely well!

 I  found this young lady NICY from Bais  really refreshing, she was the only one that really made me think that she was 16!  She reminded me of Judy Ann Santos!  She won 1st Runner up!  She will also be going to the nationals.

I found this young lady NICY from Bais really refreshing. She was the only one that really made me think that she was 16! She reminded me of Judy Ann Santos! She won 1st Runner up! She will also be going to the nationals.

 This was last years winner!  OH.....She is also the daughter of my first cousin!  LOL!

This was last year's winner! OH.....She is also the daughter of my first cousin! LOL!

HUGS!
RAJO!

SHOE ADDICTS Alert!

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
All you shoe addicts out there!  I know that you will really enjoy this! Get yourselves to this show/exhibit and get your fix!  I am sure it’s going to be a fantastic show.  I mean, the best shoe designers in the country will be there to showcase their works!  I personally am excited to go!  See you all there!
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HUGS!

RAJO!

Dumaguete Daze!

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

I flew out to Dumaguete for the weekend!  My Mom is from here and I have lots of memories of Dumaguete.  I spent a lot of  summers here as a child.  I try to come and visit every year.  We are normally here this time of the year, as we never fail to celebrate my Grandfather’s birthday!  This year my Lolo is turning 89 years old!  I am so fortunate to still have grandparents from both sides of my family.  I feel that having them is really a wonderful blessing.

We took the first flight out of Manila and we arrived just in time for breakfast.  I love having breakfast in the province, as everything is really fresh!  We had freshly baked pandesal, local longanizas, and scrambled eggs!   I love the fact that the my Lola Turing‘s kitchen is still the same after all these years!  It’s the old-fashioned outhouse kitchen, the type where you use firewood.  Somehow, this adds a special flavor to the food.

After breakfast, I decided to go UKAY-UKAY!  Dumaguete for me is a secret vintage resource.  I have been “vintaging” here since I was a teenager and I always manage to score some major finds.  My favorite UKAY place is called AlenMae.  I love how civilized  the UKAY is in Alenmae. It’s very organized and it’s not too grungy!  LOL!

This trip was spectacular as I was able to find a fabulous Louis Vuitton jacket for Venisse!  I failed to get a photo of it as she immediately took it home. I will definitely post a photo of it when the time comes.  I also scored several finds with photos and captions.

After the UKAY, we headed out to Bahura, a resort in Dauin.  We love going here, as my nieces and nephews love the gigantic pool!  We spent the rest of the day swimming and eating and bonding!

There is actually so much to do in this laid back university town!  I will be here till Sunday and there are still several things on my to do list!  In the meantime, I would like to personally invite you to Dumaguete!   I consider it my secret treasure.

As the morning sun rises I took quick snap shots of the Boulevard!  I love how large the trees have grown!

As the morning sun rose, I took quick snapshots of the Boulevard! I love how large the trees have grown!

 The boulevard is really a great way to feel this sleepy and laid back town.

The boulevard is really a great way to feel this sleepy and laid back town.

 on the boulevard you will find this surreal flying nun monument.  It never fails to make me smile.

On the boulevard, you will find this surreal flying nun monument. It never fails to make me smile.

 At the end of the boulevard is the pier.  Funny how this now looks so small, I remember it being so big when I was a child.  Now they have this "merienda" like area where you can watch the sunrise or sunset while enjoying local delicacies.

At the end of the boulevard is the pier. Funny how this now looks so small, for I remember it being so big when I was a child. Now they have this merienda-like area where you can watch the sunrise or sunset while enjoying local delicacies.

 This is my Lolo and Lolas house.  We call it "Dakung Balay" which means big house.  Its really not that  big, but we though it was  gigantic when we were small so it stuck.  I am loving how my Lola has kept the garden so lush and green despite the summer heat.

This is my Lolo and Lola's house. We call it "Dakung Balay," which means Big House. It's really not that big, but we though it was gigantic when we were small so it stuck. I am loving how my Lola has kept the garden so lush and green despite the summer heat.

 This is my Grandfather Herminio "Meniong" Teves.  Happy Birthday LOLO!  He is really an inspiration to us all!

This is my Grandfather Herminio "Meniong" Teves. Happy Birthday LOLO! He is really an inspiration to us all!

 This is my Lola's Wood burning Kithen.  I have lots of memories of this place as I literally grew up in the kitchen! LOL!

This is my Lola's wood-burning kitchen. I have lots of memories of this place, as I literally grew up in the kitchen! LOL!

Nix and I stayed at this funky inn called Florentina homes.  Its really cool!  It has several villas and each of them is styled differently.  One is Tudor English style, another is like a Swiss Chalet.  My mom got us the Mexican inspired villa.  I liked the place as it is well thought out and the beds are quite comfortable,    Check it out at florentinahomes.com  This is NIx at the cafe which was like a 50' s diner.

Nix and I stayed at this funky inn called Florentina Homes. It's really cool! It has several villas and each of them is styled differently. One is Tudor English style, another is like a Swiss Chalet. My mom got us the Mexican-inspired villa. I liked the place, as it is well thought out and the beds are quite comfortable, Check it out at florentinahomes.com. This is Nix at the cafe, which was like a '50s diner.

 This is another shot of the Cafe. It has a do it yourself charm about it with lots of personal effects lying around.  I have a feeling that a lot of the "nick-nacks" from the vintage bazaars which dots the city.

This is another shot of the Cafe. It has a do-it-yourself charm about it, with lots of personal effects lying around. I have a feeling that a lot of it comes from the knick-knacks from the vintage bazaars which dot the city.

 I always go UKAY-UKAY in Dumaguete!  I love vintage hunting here as its very organized and  its not so dusty!  There are several vintage centers in the city but my favorite is AlenMae.  I wont disclose where it is...LOL!  But when you come to Dumaguete every tricycle driver knows where it is.

I always go UKAY-UKAY in Dumaguete! I love vintage hunting here, as it's very organized and it's not so dusty! There are several vintage centers in the city. but my favorite is AlenMae. I won't disclose where it is...LOL! But when you come to Dumaguete, every tricycle driver knows where it is.

 I was over the moon when I found these vintage shades!  The brand is Bushnell and its a division of Bausch & Lomb.  They came with a cool leather case inside the case was a certificate that stated that it was made in 1978.  How cool is that?!    I found two aviator style shades.  This and a vintage aviator Rayban.   but I decided to share the loot with my new balikbayan friend from Toronto, Caroline.

I was over the moon when I found these vintage shades! The brand is Bushnell, a division of Bausch & Lomb. They came with a cool leather case. Inside the case was a certificate that stated that it was made in 1978. How cool is that?! I found two aviator style shades. This and a vintage aviator Rayban, but I decided to share the loot with my new balikbayan friend from Toronto, Caroline.

 I found this amazing 50's dress I automatically thought that it was perfect for my friend Pauline Suaco-Juan.  I love the delicate beading on the bodice and the soft pleat detail on the skirt.  I cannot wait for Pauline to try it on for size!  I know that it will definitely suit her feminine aesthetic.

I found this amazing '50s dress I automatically thought that it was perfect for my friend Pauline Suaco-Juan. I love the delicate beading on the bodice and the soft pleat detail on the skirt. I cannot wait for Pauline to try it on for size! I know that it will definitely suit her feminine aesthetic.

 I also found these "Bugaloo" shades for just 250.00 pesos!  I bought it for my wacky friend Angelo Villanueva!  I am sure he will love these!

I also found these "Bugaloo" shades for just 250.00 Pesos! I bought it for my wacky friend Angelo Villanueva! I am sure he will love these!

 We then proceeded to the resort called Bahura.  My family really likes it there because each time were in town thats we go.  The weather was just GLORIOUS!

We then proceeded to the resort called Bahura. My family really likes it there because each time we're in town, that's where we go. The weather was just GLORIOUS!

 This is my sister Gela.  She is trying out the shades I bought for Angelo.  UH... Its not working for her.

This is my sister Gela. She is trying out the shades I bought for Angelo. UH... It's not working for her.

 I love the water!  Here I am with My nieces Alix, Danielle and Gaia.  Gela also made singit in the shot.

I love the water! Here I am with my nieces Alix, Danielle and Gaia. Gela also made singit in the shot.

Summer blooms were abound.  Loving the color of this flower.

Summer blooms were abound. Loving the color of this flower.

 Nix really likes the Kalachuchi ( Frangipani) tree.  I like the name. I find it funny!

Nix really likes the Kalachuchi (Frangipani) tree. I like the name. I find it funny!

Palm trees = Summer for me.

Palm trees = Summer for me.

 Right after lunch we headed out to the beach to just chill.  Best of all we absolutely did nothing.  I love that!

Right after lunch, we headed out to the beach to just chill. Best of all, we did absolutely nothing. I love that!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Shangri-La Mactan!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

I had to leave for Cebu for a day to attend a client’s wedding.  I stayed at the beautiful Shangri-La Mactan.  I have visited the hotel before as I did their uniforms.  It was a great break  from the hectic pace of Makati.  I had the best weather, endless blue skies, and delicate winds keeping me cool.

I had very little on my agenda, so I just  took a long lunch and a nice nap.  I wish I had more time to enjoy the pool and the beach, but I had to be at the wedding and join the reception.  I made a note to myself to come back soon to this beautiful place!  I feel like one lucky duck just to be here!

   I had to leave for Cebu for a day to attend a clients wedding.  I stayed at the beautiful Shangri-La Mactan.  I have visited the hotel before as I did their uniforms.  It was a great break  from the hectic pace of Makati.  I had the best weather, endless blue skies and delicate winds keeping me cool.  I had very little on my agenda so I just  took a long lunch and a nice nap.  I wish I had more time to enjoy the pool and the beach but  I had to be at the wedding and join the reception.  I made a note to myself to come back soon to this beautiful place!  I feel like one lucky duck just to be here! BIG HUGS! RAJO!

The view outside my original room.

 This was my room!  I was really happy with it.  However the General Manager upgraded me to a suite and I had to leave my original room. It actually just looks the same except that it was bigger and the bathroom was double the size. I was happy with either as i was only going to be using it for a night.  I was grateful just the same.

This was my room! I was really happy with it. However, the General Manager upgraded me to a suite and I had to leave my original room. It actually just looks the same except that it was bigger and the bathroom was double the size. I was happy with either, as I was only going to be using it for a night. I was grateful just the same.

 I liked the idea of the pocket garden at the center of the buildings. This made me feel nature in the concrete building.

I liked the idea of the pocket garden at the center of the buildings. This made me feel nature in the concrete building.

 This is the lobby lounge.

This is the lobby lounge.

 I had a nice long lunch at the Tides restaurant buffet.  I  zeroed in on the fresh seafood  buffet!

I had a nice long lunch at the Tides Restaurant buffet. I zeroed in on the fresh seafood buffet!

  I then tucked into the roast beef with  grilled vegetables!  The beef was really tender!  Disclaimer...this is the serving platter and not my plate!  LOL!

I then tucked into the roast beef with grilled vegetables! The beef was really tender! Disclaimer...this is the serving platter and not my plate! LOL!

 I also tried these baked fish skewers!  These were really tasty.

I also tried these baked fish skewers! These were really tasty.

 I ended my meal with these beautiful, colorful and delicious summer fruits!

I ended my meal with these beautiful, colorful and delicious summer fruits!

 I then took a nice stroll around the resort grounds.  The pool looked so inviting.  I felt bad as I did not have time to test the waters.

I then took a nice stroll around the resort grounds. The pool looked so inviting. I felt bad, as I did not have time to test the waters.

 This is the view outside my room!  Just looking at it gives me peace.

This is the view outside my room! Just looking at it gives me peace.

 AHHH.....Paradise!  My photos were like postcards!  I wish I had more time to stay and enjoy the beach and the other facilities. This was the view outside my upgraded suite called the ocean view villas.

AHHH.....Paradise! My photos were like postcards! I wish I had more time to stay and enjoy the beach and the other facilities. This was the view outside my upgraded suite called The Ocean View Villas.

BIG HUGS!
RAJO!

Josie Natori & FDCP!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Josie Natori was in town recently, and she hosted a merienda for the FDCP (Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines).  Josie  was instrumental in the creation of the FDCP.  Her moving force and energy has been the guiding light  of the council.  It was a really lovely afternoon filled with laughter and cheer.  She organized the get-together to touch base with the members and find out intimately the state of the fashion industry in our country.  She listened to all our challenges and applauded all our triumphs.  I am very proud to be part of the council and happy that  amidst all our set backs were still here surviving.  In the end, regardless of where you are in the world of fashion, surviving is an achievement.  The stories are even more dim in NYC. However, the ever-inspiring Josie rallied us all and lifted our spirits that lovely afternoon.  I just want to say MARAMING SALAMAT JOSIE!

 The New York based Fashion designer Josie Natori has remained a true inspiration to all of us Filipino designers.  She is always so chic!  I noticed her lovely tanned color!  Summer perfection!

The New York-based fashion designer Josie Natori has remained a true inspiration to all of us Filipino designers. She is always so chic! I noticed her lovely tanned color! Summer perfection!

 The merienda was set at her brothers beautiful plantation like home!  The afternoon set up was really pretty!  I loved the all white table scape amidst the lush garden.

The merienda was set at her brother's beautiful plantation-like home! The afternoon setup was really pretty! I loved the all-white tablescape amidst the lush garden.

 This was one of the lanai living area fronting the garden.  I love the Isabel Diaz mural backing the sofa!

This was one of the lanai living areas fronting the garden. I love the Isabel Diaz mural backing the sofa!

Natori's lead designer in the Philippines Ian Giron making sure everything is perfect.

Natori's lead designer in the Philippines Ian Giron making sure everything is perfect.

 FDCP desingners Joey Samson and Tipi Ocampo gracing the merienda.

FDCP designers Joey Samson and Tippi Ocampo gracing the merienda.

 Josie and Ian having a chat while waiting for other members to arrive.

Josie and Ian having a chat while waiting for other members to arrive.

 Josie with some of the FDCP board.  Tonichi Nocom, Dong Omaga Diaz is the President of FDCP and Avel Bacudio.

Josie with some members of the FDCP board: Tonichi Nocom, Dong Omaga Diaz is the President of FDCP and Avel Bacudio.

 Ian with Vittorio Barba.

Ian with Vittorio Barba.

 The yummy spread from the famous kitchen of Ching Cruz.  Mrs. Cruz was in New York that afternoon but her amazing staff created such perfect service that I was caught taking mental notes for my own merienda parties in the future.

The yummy spread from the famous kitchen of Ching Cruz. Mrs. Cruz was in New York that afternoon, but her amazing staff created such perfect service that I was caught taking mental notes for my own merienda parties in the future.

 The svelte FDCP member  Len Nepumoceno-Guiao.

The svelte FDCP member Len Nepumoceno-Guiao.

 I took a shot at Joey Samsons beautiful Jil Sander shoes!  I really admire his taste!

I took a shot at Joey Samson's beautiful Jil Sander shoes! I really admire his taste!

 Josie gave us a lovely pep talk during the merienda!

Josie gave us a lovely pep talk during the merienda!

 Hear she is giving us advice on how we can overcome our challenges.

Hear she is, giving us advice on how we can overcome our challenges.

 At the end of the merienda the council surprised Josie with a bounty of gifts worthy of a queen.  Here she is showing a beautiful south sea pearl brooch by FDCP member Jerry Sunga.

At the end of the merienda, the council surprised Josie with a bounty of gifts worthy of a queen. Here she is showing a beautiful South Sea pearl brooch by FDCP member Jerry Sunga.

 Jerry complimented his brooch with a lovely south sea pearl ring!

Jerry complimented his brooch with a lovely South Sea pearl ring!

 Another FDCP member Amina Aranaz also gifted Josie with a summer tote bag!

Another FDCP member, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, also gifted Josie with a summer tote bag!

 Tippi Ocampo also gave Josie her book and this really brightened up Josie's face as she leafed through the pages.

Tippi Ocampo also gave Josie her book, and this really brightened up Josie's face as she leafed through the pages.

 A parting shot of the Merienda!  We may not have been complete that day but the spirit of FDCP was really felt.

A parting shot of the merienda! We may not have been complete that day, but the spirit of FDCP was really felt.

HUGS!
RAJO!

Carolina’s!

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

If you are a fashion designer in the Philippines, one store that you will have to know is CAROLINA’S.  Ever since I started as a fashion designer, it has been the go-to place for everything that you need to create fashion,  be it thread, buttons, beads or lace.  I have known the owner of Carolina’s for more than 15 years now and she has been very supportive of my career.  Her name is Baby Ragas.

Tita Baby, as I fondly call her, has really been a shining star.  She has invited me on many of her sourcing trips like the Premier Vision in Paris,  my very first trip to India, and many more.  I have learned so much just by being close to her.

While walking through FAME, I was really surprised to see this very colorful booth with the most textured of materials.  I was looking very intently at them and to my surprise it was the booth of Tita Baby!

I had no idea that she has moved forward to home design!  It was a really delightful surprise.  As she took me around her boot,h I noticed how she used her fabric design/merchandising background into a new form.  Her translation was seamless and I loved how everything looked.  What I took home from that experience is that one should really not stop growing.  Tita Baby and Carolina’s remains a shining example of how we should “dance with the times!”   I was so happy and inspired with her new direction and I am sure that just like with all her projects, this too will be a huge success!

 This is Tita Baby Ragas of Carolinas!  Check out her colorful throw pillows.  When I was there a buyer was going nuts ordering them! LOL!

This is Tita Baby Ragas of Carolina's! Check out her colorful throw pillows. When I was there, a buyer was going nuts ordering them! LOL!

 These are her fabric chandeliers.  They were so romantic and modern at the same time.

These are her fabric chandeliers. They were so romantic and modern at the same time.

 I loves this lamp shade.  It is made from nylon mesh tubes. If your interested to know more about these wonderful products please email Mrs. Lourdes Ragas at aei@aei.com.ph

I love this lamp shade. It is made from nylon mesh tubes. If you're interested to know more about these wonderful products, please email Mrs. Lourdes Ragas at aei@aei.com.ph

 This sculptural drop light is made from felt.  Tita Baby says this is the new big material for 2010!  I can see how I can translate this into garments!  I am inspired!

This sculptural drop light is made from felt. Tita Baby says this is the new big material for 2010! I can see how I can translate this into garments! I am inspired!

 Felt cut-out curtains.  These cut-outs were done by hand!  I asked if they were machine made and she said that hand cut-outs are much better as you can really feel the soul of the design.  I could not agree with her more!

Felt cut-out curtains. These cut-outs were done by hand! I asked if they were machine-made and she said that hand cut-outs are much better, as you can really feel the soul of the design. I could not agree with her more!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Susan Boyle!

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Over dinner last night, my friends and I were talking about this fantastic video that they saw on YouTube.  This was from the show Britain’s Got Talent.  I watched it immediately when we came home and I was in tears!  I loved it!  This reminded me of the saying that we should really never judge a book by its cover.  This can be quite challenging in my chosen field where often we take everything at face value.  This is the main reason why  I wanted to share it with all of you because it really touched me. It makes me think that dreams can come true.  Enjoy the video!  I know that you will all be moved by this amazing performance.

Click here to see the video of SUSAN BOYLE!

HUGS!

RAJO!

Sound of Music!

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies!  I JUST LOVE IT!  So imagine my JOY when when I stumbled upon this YouTube video, which was passed on to me!  It is one of those videos that really make you feel good and happy!  I love that feeling!  Check the video out! EYELAHVET!!!!

The Sound of Music

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k[/youtube]

HUGS,

RAJO!

FAME: Part 3!

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

The most exciting thing for me about FAME is the Home Furnishing section!  In my humble opinion, we are one of the best home furnishing designers in the world!  I really get so inspired when I am able to walk around FAME and just soak all the beautiful designs around me.  I am the type of judge  that would rather give everyone an award! LOL!  I took a gazillion photos but I really think that all of these images will inspire you and make you swell with pride inside!

This lamp is from EVOLVE designs.  I was really digging their recycled theme and I really think that evolves designer is really a genius!

This lamp is from EVOLVE designs. I was really digging their recycled theme and I really think that Evolve's designer is really a genius!

 I love this chair!  It is made form layers of cheese cloth!  I sat on this chair and it was so comfortable, this is also from evolve designs and their designer Is MILO NAVA!  I think he is truly brilliant!  If you want this chair shoot an email to evolvephilippines@gmail.com

I love this chair! It is made from layers of cheese cloth! I sat on this chair and it was so comfortable. It's also from Evolve Designs by MILO NAVA! I think he is truly brilliant! If you want this chair, shoot an email to evolvephilippines@gmail.com

Evolve also did this bottle cap lamp base!  I LOVE IT!  It could be a do it yourself product.  Now if only I can find the time to do crafty things like this.

Evolve also did this bottle cap lamp base! I LOVE IT! It could be a do-it-yourself product. Now if only I can find the time to do crafty things like this.

 These pillows were designed by Maricris Brias!  She is  TADECO!  I love the pattern and the texture of these pillows!

These pillows were designed by Maricris Brias! She is TADECO! I love the pattern and the texture of these pillows!

Tadeco also translated the pillows into area carpets.  I imagine this as a really cool print for fabric.  Ideas....ideas!  You can see more of Maricris's work at www.tadeco-homedecor.com

Tadeco also translated the pillows into area carpets. I imagine this as a really cool print for fabric. Ideas....ideas! You can see more of Maricris's work at www.tadeco-homedecor.com

These fabulous sculptures/outdoor furniture is from the very talented Ann Pamintuan!  I love her stuff!  These are from her lotus series and I promise myself that if and when I have my own garden I will definitely have an Ann Pamintuan in it! PROMISE!

These fabulous sculptures/outdoor furniture pieces are from the very talented Ann Pamintuan! I love her stuff! These are from her Lotus series and I promise myself that if and when I have my own garden, I will definitely have an Ann Pamintuan in it! PROMISE!

 Ann Pamintuan also showed some modern verve by using some plastic tubing for some of her pieces!  I loved how this where like space creatures!  LOL!

Ann Pamintuan also showed some modern verve by using some plastic tubing for some of her pieces! I loved how these pieces were like space creatures! LOL!

 I loved this booth!  They create products made  from fine bone china!  The company is called CSM international!  I really found their items so delicate and romantic.  If you like to see more of them you can email them at csmicorp@smartbro.net

I loved this booth! They create products made from fine bone china! The company is called CSM International! I really found their items so delicate and romantic. If you'd like to see more of them, you can email them at csmicorp@smartbro.net

 The lady on the left is Tess Pasola!  I call her the PAPER PRINCESS!  She does the most amazing things with paper!  I mean can you imagine that all of those tables, vases, vessels and what not are all made from paper?  Well...They are!  She has won several design awards internationally for her amazing designs!  I AM A FAN!

The lady on the left is Tess Pasola. I call her the PAPER PRINCESS! She does the most amazing things with paper! I mean, can you imagine that all of those tables, vases, vessels and what not are all made from paper? Well...they are! She has won several design awards internationally for her amazing designs! I AM A FAN!

 In the center of home decor fair, Eric Paras created these amazing tableaus that showcased several products.  I love the how it was like a symphony of shapes and textures all so very pleasing to the eye and to the touch!  One word STUNNING!

In the center of home decor fair, Eric Paras created these amazing tableaus that showcased several products. I love how it was like a symphony of shapes and textures - all so very pleasing to the eye and to the touch! One word: STUNNING!

 Another Eric Paras tableau!  I want that lamp on the extreme right hand of the photo!  WAIT!  I want everything in this photo!  WAAAH!

Another Eric Paras tableau! I want that lamp on the extreme right hand of the photo! WAIT! I want everything in this photo! WAAAH!

 I was so scared to sit on this chair but I was assured by the designer that it was really safe!  It was beautiful.  I thought that it reminded me of a game I used to play as a child. The wood peg game called JANGO?

I was so scared to sit on this chair, but I was assured by the designer that it was really safe! It was beautiful. I thought that it reminded me of a game I used to play as a child: the wood peg game called JENGA?

 They had several artists creating murals in the fair as I was walking around. I was not sure where they would go but I love street art and I find watching artists paint mesmerizing.

They had several artists creating murals in the fair as I was walking around. I was not sure where they would go, but I love street art and I find watching artists paint mesmerizing.

 This was the Kalikasan Crafts booth!  I found there work so seamless!  I mean I know that they were made from Iron and all that but I could not figure out how they were attached together as the joints were so clean!  This made their products so outstanding!

This was the Kalikasan Crafts booth! I found their work so seamless! I mean, I know that they were made from iron and all, that but I could not figure out how they were attached together, as the joints were so clean! This made their products so outstanding!

 Love this lamp!  One of the judges asked how the pieces of metal were attached and they said it was top secret!  I would keep it a secret too because these items were fantastic!

Love this lamp! One of the judges asked how the pieces of metal were attached, and they said it was top secret! I would keep it a secret too because these items were fantastic!

 These lamps were also so beautiful.  They were also created by Kalikasan crafts you can see more of their work at www.kalikasancrafts.com

These lamps were also so beautiful. They were also created by Kalikasan Crafts. You can see more of their work at www.kalikasancrafts.com

 This amazing set of lamps won the KATHA awards last year!  They were designed and created by BON ACE!

This amazing set of lamps won the KATHA awards last year! They were designed and created by BON ACE!

These are also bon ace's products!  I loved their booth as they had a fringed veil around the booth that gave a sense of mystery and transparency to the whole area.

These are also Bon Ace's products! I loved their booth as they had a fringed veil around it that gave a sense of mystery and transparency to the whole area.

 These mirrors/wall sculptures are from MCCA industrial corporation.  I love how it was arranged, I also admire the delicate workmanship.

These mirrors/wall sculptures are from MCCA Industrial Corporation. I love how it was arranged, and I also admire the delicate workmanship.

 This KATHA 2009 award for best boot goes to MCCA!  I though it was really an intelligent use of space and it really highlighted the products.

This KATHA 2009 Award for Best Boot goes to MCCA! I though it was really an intelligent use of space and it really highlighted the products.

 Another view of the winning booth, it was so logical and so easy to appreciate their products.  You can get in touch with MCCA through mcca@comclark.com

Another view of the winning booth. It was so logical and so easy to appreciate their products. You can get in touch with MCCA through mcca@comclark.com

 A close up of the lamp I want!  Its so nice!

A close up of the lamp I want! It's so nice!

Another beautiful tableau by Eric Paras.

Another beautiful tableau by Eric Paras.

This is the booth of evolve!  I love the serenity of the place!  I can live in that booth!  LOL!

This is the booth of Evolve! I love the serenity of the place! I can live in that booth! LOL!

 This is made from paper! I found the texture so interesting.  I wonder if it will translate into fabric?  HMMM?

This is made from paper! I found the texture so interesting. I wonder if it will translate into fabric? HMMM?

 masaeco is the company that does this amazing things with paper.

Masaeco is the company that does these amazing things with paper.

 more of the products of Masaeco.

More of the products of Masaeco.

 This was the booth of the Locsin group.  They always show strong pieces and this year was no exception.

This was the booth of the Locsin group. They always show strong pieces and this year was no exception.

 This picture frame/chair is the winner for the 2009 KATHA award for best product design for best home decor.  We had a tough time choosing a winner with all of the judges having their own personal favorites. Although we all decided to give it to this piece because it was really whimsical and original.  I tried sitting on the chair and it was cozy!  Congratulations to MAZE!

This picture frame/chair is the winner for the 2009 KATHA Award for Best Product Design for Best Home Decor. We had a tough time choosing a winner with all of the judges having their own personal favorites. Although we all decided to give it to this piece because it was really whimsical and original. I tried sitting on the chair and it was cozy! Congratulations to MAZE!

 I personally loved this piece.  It is made from BULALO bones!  Bulalo is the shank of the cow!  Apparently the company that designed this would collect the bones from waiters of various restaurants around the metropolis then they would clean them up, treat them and then create outstanding products such as this!  This design really moved me as it inspired me somehow. I know that it was really difficult to do and its quite expensive.  I am making a mental note to buy this for my new house!  In the mean time save muna ako!

I personally loved this piece. It is made from BULALO bones! Bulalo is the shank of the cow! Apparently the company that designed this would collect the bones from waiters of various restaurants around the metropolis then they would clean them up, treat them and then create outstanding products such as this! This design really moved me as it inspired me somehow. I know that it was really difficult to do and it's quite expensive. I am making a mental note to buy this for my new house! In the meantime, save muna ako!

ENJOY!
RAJO!