Posts Tagged ‘arts’

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!

Manila FAME!

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Every year I look forward to FAME!  FAME is short for Furnishing, Apparel, Manufacturers, Exchange.  It’s a trade show featuring the best designers from our Islands!  It’s a massive showcase of how talented Filipinos are.  It is the second year that the FAME is being held at the SMX convention center.  I was really impressed by the space of the convention center!  This year was extra special for me as they asked me to be a judge for the very prestigious KATHA awards.  It’s an award given by CITEM (Center for International Trade and Exposition Mission), the organizing body of FAME.

FAME is now on its 49th year of existence!  IMAGINE THAT?!
FAME is now on its 49th year of existence! IMAGINE THAT?!
 SMX convention centrer!  They had dancers on opening day.
SMX convention centrer! They had dancers on opening day.
 I found the convention center really cool!  I mean this is place was so big!  I think the space is really efficient and the aircon was so strong!  LOL!  Thank goodness because it was quite warm that day!
I found the convention center really cool! I mean this is place was so big! I think the space is really efficient and the aircon was so strong! LOL! Thank goodness because it was quite warm that day!
 I present you the Panel of Judges for the Katha awards!  Rajo, Kat, Ed, Tatum and Ogie!!!  Are we not a good looking bunch!  LOL!
I present you the Panel of Judges for the Katha awards: Rajo, Kat, Ed, Tatum and Ogie!!! Are we not a good-looking bunch? LOL!

Being a judge is not easy, as you have to really be fair and think of so many things before actually making a choice.  The judging period was very long!  It took us close to 4 hours to decide who would win the following awards.  Best product design for Home Furnishing, Fashion Accessories ,and Holiday Decor.  We then had to decide on who had the best booth, and finally, the Eco-Luxury Award.  This all sound easier said than done!  LOL!

 Here we are in the deliberation room!  Can you feel the tension?!  LOL!  I can almost feel it in this photo!
Here we are in the deliberation room! Can you feel the tension?! LOL! I can almost feel it in this photo!

After hours of deliberation, we finally got to choose our winners and I felt really proud to be a Filipino!  We’re a really talented country and in these challenging times, we really must band together and rally each other so that we can sail through this crisis.  I took so many photos from the fair that I have to break them up in several entries.  In the meantime, enjoy the photos!

We did a final walk through after the judging and Ed Calma gave me a nice smile!  He was the Chairman of the board of judges!  What a trooper!  I know how busy he is but he was there all the way through!
We did a final walk through after the judging and Ed Calma gave me a nice smile! He was the Chairman of the board of judges! What a trooper! I know how busy he is but he was there all the way through!
 I liked this section of the fair where they highlighted several local designers.  This chair was cool!

I liked this section of the fair where they highlighted several local designers. This chair was cool!

 I found this group interesting, they were using plastic tubes.

I found this group interesting. They were using plastic tubes.

One of my fave artists Eric Paras was intrumental in this years FAME as he was the head  consultant and over all design guru for the fair!  CONGRATULATIONS Eric!  It was SUPERB!
One of my fave artists Eric Paras was instrumental in this year’s FAME, as he was the head consultant and overall design guru for the fair! CONGRATULATIONS, Eric! It was SUPERB!

HUGS!
RAJO!

SLIMS!

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

I just have to share this with all of you!  When I was asked to be on the panel for deliberation for the National Artist for Fashion, there was one name on the list that I really was curious about .  Her name was Salvacion Lim-Higgins.  As a young student of fashion, I already knew the name, but I was really not familiar with the work. I also knew that she had a prestigious fashion school called SLIMS.  I Knew that a lot of famous designers went to school there.  Famous designers like Lulu Tan-Gan, Auggie Cordero, Cesar Gaupo, Oscar Peralta, Joe Salazar, and many many more.

What I did not know is just how AMAZING this woman was!  OMG!  When I was given the literature and the body of her work, I was like FLOORED!  LOL!

I mean, it was really beautiful work!  The gowns were like sculpture!  The shapes were so modern and so interesting that I stayed longer in the panel room more than the others just so that I can take photos and enjoy her artistry more.  I am so happy that I was able to see more of her work and attach images in my mind.

There are a few people in the world that can go by the status of a one name icon.  I truly believe the SLIMS is deserving of this. I do hope that the people who love fashion can talk and discuss more about her and other designers from the past.  I think by paying homage and really studying her legacy, we can grow and become better artists.

SLIMS will be celebrating her 50th anniversary in 2010 and I am sure something truly special will be happening. In the meantime, I am fortunate to have glimpses of her greatness through these photos.

 This is Mrs. Salvacion Lim-HIggins!  She is what you call a true Philippine Fashion ICON!

This is Mrs. Salvacion Lim-HIggins! She is what you call a true Philippine Fashion ICON!

 A selection of photographs with the amazing body of work of SLIM'S

A selection of photographs with the amazing body of work of SLIMS

 This is Tina Maristel-Ocampo!!!  I was her biggest fan in the 80's!  I would wait for her outside fashion shows and ask for her autograph.  LOL!  Here she is wearing one of the last pieces that SLIM"S created.

This is Tina Maristel-Ocampo!!! I was her biggest fan in the '80s! I would wait for her outside fashion shows and ask for her autograph. LOL! Here she is, wearing one of the last pieces that SLIMS created.

 This gown is modeled by the iconic Chona Kasten for those fashion babies out there she was the ultimate fashion muse in the golden age of Philippine Couture!

This gown is modeled by the iconic Chona Kasten. For those fashion babies out there, she was the ultimate fashion muse in the golden age of Philippine Couture!

 This Terno is modeled by Mrs. Edith Nakpil-Rabat.  I am loving  the shape of this gown.

This Terno is modeled by Mrs. Edith Nakpil-Rabat. I am loving the shape of this gown.

This evening cape is really MAJOR!  I wonder where women wore these things then?  I cannot imagine anyone  (Well maybe Tessa Valdes) wear this out today.  I love the shape and the cutting though as its really a beautiful play on proportion.

This evening cape is really MAJOR! I wonder where women wore these things then? I cannot imagine anyone (Well maybe Tessa Valdes) wearing this out today. I love the shape and the cutting though, as it's really a beautiful play on proportion.

 I LOVE THIS!  It feels so fresh and exotic!  This is really how one should translate modern Mindanao!

I LOVE THIS! It feels so fresh and exotic! This is really how one should translate modern Mindanao!

 I imagine Mrs. Imelda Cojuangco in this number!

I imagine Mrs. Imelda Cojuangco in this number!

 This is what I call DRAMAAAAH!  LOL!

This is what I call DRAMAAAAH! LOL!

The detail and the workmanship of SLIM's was legendary!

The detail and the workmanship of SLIMS was legendary!

 I am amazed at how modern the shape of this dress is!  I am really inspired by how draping of this dress!

I am amazed at how modern the shape of this dress is! I am really inspired by the draping of this dress!

 I love the graphic display of the pattern in this number, the sleeves were also very unique and architectural.

I love the graphic display of the pattern in this number. The sleeves were also very unique and architectural.

BIG  HUGS!
RAJO!

2009 National Artists Awards!

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Something really cool happened to me today!  I was invited to be on the panel on the first deliberation to determine the nominees of who will become the National Artist for Fashion Design. I am not at liberty to tell you anything but I can show you photos!  LOL!

The meeting was held in Old Manila at the NCCA ( National Commission for Culture and the Arts)  building.

The meeting was held in Old Manila at the NCCA ( National Commission for Culture and the Arts) building.

 I love the fact that we have an entire building to make sure that our arts and culture are well taken cared of.  the building is quite impressive as it was spacious and well appointed.

I love the fact that we have an entire building to make sure that our arts and culture are well taken care of. The building is quite impressive as it was spacious and well appointed.

The meetings took up my entire morning, but I really did not care because I was so honored and humbled to be there.  When I entered the room, the energy was so strong. Imagine a room filled with the country’s most talented individuals from various artistic disciplines!  We were all asked to sit according to our respected field of expertise. The task at hand was to narrow the long list of nominees and create a short list.  The process in choosing the national artist is a long and complicated one, but I was just excited to be there!

The room was filled with so many respected artists that I was a bit overwhelmed.

The room was filled with so many respected artists that I was a bit overwhelmed.

I was like a child in awe of the great masters!  It was a really wonderful and educational experience!

 This was my table as Fashion design is under the allied arts category.

This was my table as Fashion Design is under the Allied Arts category.

Great National artists were there like Mr. Arturo Luz and  Mr. Ben Cabrera  "Bencab"

Great National artists were there like Mr. Arturo Luz and Mr. Ben Cabrera

 The fantastically svelte Jose Javier Reyes sat on the broadcasting and film panel.

The fantastically svelte Jose Javier Reyes sat on the broadcasting and film panel.

 We began the day with a beautiful speech by the NCAA executive director Cecille Guidote-Alvarez.  I was astounded by her eloquence, she gave the speech entirely in Filipino and it was if she was reciting a poem.

We began the day with a beautiful speech by the NCAA executive director Cecille Guidote-Alvarez. I was astounded by her eloquence - she gave the speech entirely in Filipino and it was if she was reciting a poem.

 I sat beside Mr. Ildefonso Santos Jr.  He is a national artist for Architecture.  He is a very famous landscape artist.

I sat beside Mr. Ildefonso Santos Jr. He is a national artist for Architecture and a very famous landscape artist.

here we are about to start our discussion with me is Thelma Saj Juan the most important lifestyle journalist in the country.  She is instrumental in pushing all of us fashion designers to reach greater heights. We were also joined by Arc. Melva  Java who hails from Cebu.

Here we are, about to start our discussion. With me is Thelma Saj Juan, the most important lifestyle journalist in the country. She is instrumental in pushing all of us fashion designers to reach greater heights. We were also joined by Arc. Melva Java who hails from Cebu.

 I had a very NAKS moment today!  I am so tickled pink!

I had a very NAKS moment today! I am so tickled pink!

HUGS!
RAJO!