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The KATHA Award Winners!

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

I am proud to present to you the 50th Manila FAME KATHA award winners! After several hours of careful deliberations, we the judges came out with the winners! It was not an easy task, let me tell you. We wanted to hear each judge’s personal favorites. Good thing we had a lot of pieces that we all chose so that made it a bit easier, however we had to take so many things in consideration. We were asked to choose winners for 6 categories from best booth, to best home furnishing and the like. Without further ado… (I always found that line funny..LOL! ) Here are the winners!

The logo of the KATHA awards was designed by National Artist Arturo Luz!

S.C. Vizcarra won the best booth award. We thought that the simple lines and creative use of space made this booth a winner. The Judges were lead by leading Architect Joey Yupangco. I found it funny each time he would call me PARE! YIKES! LOL!

S.C. Vizcarra won the best booth award. We thought that the simple lines and creative use of space made this booth a winner. The Judges were led by Architect Joey Yupangco. I found it funny each time he would call me PARE! YIKES! LOL!

This company also does beautiful bags! Behind this wall were the bags. I just like the honesty and brightness of the space.

The minute I saw this chair I was enamored! I love the fun color and the proportions were also very chic and contemporary.

This low bench chair reminded the judges of many original pinoy references, from tampipi's to solihiya's, suman even poultry cages. We all agreed that this looked distinctly Filipino and yet it was very modern. For all this attributes this chair won the KATHA award for best home furnishing! The company that created it is called Obra Cebuana, Inc. You can email them for more information. obracebuana@gmail.com

This low bench chair reminded the judges of many original Pinoy references, from tampipi's to solihiya's, suman, and even poultry cages. We all agreed that this looked distinctly Filipino and yet it was very modern. For all these attributes, this chair won the KATHA award for best home furnishing! The company that created it is called Obra Cebuana, Inc. You can email them for more information. obracebuana@gmail.com

I loved this the minute I saw it! I thought it was so beautiful and the usage of the shell and light aluminum was genius! This cuff from BON-ACE won the KATHA awards for best fashion accessories. If you're interested, do write them at info@bon-ace.com

The company GUGO won the KATHA award for the health and wellness category. I think that apart from having a really cool product, the presentation of the product gave GUGO a real distinctive edge. I love the space they created because instantly, I was transported to a very relaxed place. That is not easy to do in like 30 seconds.

This year KATHA gave an award to the best collaterals, which means that the best brochure design also gets a prize! For this, LA SALLE College International won. The Brochure was very catchy, and the fact that it was only one page with all the information already in it was a true winner for me! I loved it so much that it's now my new book marker! LOL! Check out their website www.lasallecollege.com.ph

PS: I failed to get a photo of one of the winners which was an amazing paper lantern/lamp that won the KATHA Gift ware and Holiday decor category. The company that made it is called MASECO! They create the most amazing paper products! Wish I took a photo! Shucks!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: art, fame, Fashion Insider, judging, Katha awards, local artists, local designers, rajo laurel, the 50th Manila FAME International, winners
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The 50th Manila FAME!

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

I was invited again this year to be one of the judges of the prestigious KATHA awards! This award is given to exporters showing at the Manila Fame. This year is the 50th Manila FAME exposition. Ever since I can remember, I would always look forward to this event, as it showcases the best of the best designers and exporters of the Philippines. This year was extra special for me as one of my dearest friends, Patrice Ramos- Diaz, served as one of the creative consultants! I am so very proud of her! Joining Patrice is another creative wizard, Eric Paras of the famous Gallery A-11.

I spent the whole day looking around the show and wondered if I would make the 12 noon cut off time! It felt like I was speed judging as I was zipping in and out of booths like I was in a trance! I take the responsibility of judging quite seriously, so I wanted to see absolutely everything! This post is all about my personal highlights ! If you’re interested in visiting the FAME show, it is open till the 18th of OCT! If you have time and the inclination, do go as this will open your eyes to the creative talents of our fellow Filipinos! It’s times like this that really make me so proud to be a Filipino!

I have always been attracted to the works of the MCCA group! Last year they won the best booth and this year the products lent itself to a more organic and earthy tome. I particularly loved these parsely/poppy shaped relief mirrored frame.

I have always been attracted to the works of the MCCA group! Last year they won the best booth and this year the product lent itself to a more organic and earthy tome. I particularly loved these parsely/poppy shaped relief mirrored frame.

One day I want to this installation in my studio, it's so very cool! For more info about MCCA, send them an email at mcca@comclark.com

I loved this booth! It felt so honest and authentic! I loved how it just made me relaxed and in a chill out mood. They specialized in gift items with a weather beaten look. If I am not mistaken, the company is called The Island Life! Perfect name, if you ask me!

I loved the simple lines of this company called OBRA Cebuana Inc. They felt so Filipino. I particularly loved that yellow chair in the back which reminds me of suman. LOL! Their email is obracebuana@gmail.com

I also fell in love with this booth and its products. They had lots of items but because the layout was streamlined, each piece on display was easily appreciated. I adore how they used wood as the soul of the design.

This is the booth of Ann Pamintuan. I love the whim of the collections as they were all ispired by the Kamias fruit or the star fruit. One day when I hava a garden of my own I will have an Ann Pamintuan!

This is the booth of Ann Pamintuan. I love the whim of the collections as they were all inspired by the Kamias fruit or the star fruit. One day when I have a garden of my own, I will have an Ann Pamintuan!

I loved these ceramic/clay vases! The color and shape is so chic. They were made by the Riviera company and their email is rclay@rivieraclay.com.ph. I nominated them for the best gift category.

The Riviera booth!

I thought that this wall unit was very clever! I just loved the drama of a wall with this much pattern and texture. This was created by TADECO check out their website at www.tadeco-homedecor.com

The company Evolve is always so cool and chic! They are like classics that you never get tired of looking at!

I always loved wrought iron work; they never fail to inspire me. This is no different, this lovely piece was created by CHANALLI their company is loacated just in Makati with tel 632-8189642. I can see this piece either inside or outside a home.

I always loved wrought iron work; they never fail to inspire me. This is no different - this lovely piece was created by CHANALLI. Their company is located just in Makati, with tel. no. 632-8189642. I can see this piece either inside or outside a home.

I am a huge fan of color! I just felt happy seeing fun things like this stackable wire chair! I wanted this to win the Best Product Design. Apparently, it has already won a couple of years ago! This was genius! I want it! LOL! If you want it also call a.garcia crafts. Their website is agarciacrafts.com

Look, the wire chair comes in silver! LOVE IT! It's like the super chic relative of the monobloc chairs LOL!

As I turned the corner, this came and greeted me! I mean, WHOAH!!!! LOL! I swear, coming to FAME is like going to an amusement park!

I wonder who buys these things? How does one ship it? I swear it's bigger than a 2 level house! LOL!

The Azcor booth was really nice too!

I flipped when I saw the accessories of BON-ACE! They are really so beautiful! Check out this clutch and that cuff beside it was making me drool! It was also so very light!

The console table was also very beautiful! Check out their website at www.bon-ace.com

The Fame also has a section concentrating on Holiday decor. One could really feel the season creeping at you just by visiting the booth. I adored this snowman as the hat moves when you touch it. This was made by Bianca Beatrice arts. You can email them at biancaarts08@gmail.com

This is the whole snowman collection by Biaca Beatrice arts. I liked that it was fun and cheerful!

These lamps were the most interesting light fixtures that I have seen in the whole fair. They are made from rattan. The designer was explaining to me that the inspiration came from hair! The one of the right is the curly variation and the one on the left is the rebonded version! LOL! I liked them a lot! They were made by Accessoria inc. Do check their website at accessoriainc.com

I am a HUGE FAN of VITO SELMA's work! I think he could be the next Cobonpue! I love love love this GEO coffee table. I know he did many version s of this series! I think his work is AMAZING! Check his website out www.vitoselma.com

I found this piece quite charming and romantic. It's called the Louis the V dresser. In fact, all of the pieces of this company called SKY-SHINE were really beautiful! Please take a look at their website and prepare to dream! www.skyshinefd.com

This vase/bowl is another fabulous piece from the wonderful mind of Vito Selma! I love it! I want it! Where can I get it? LOL!

I found this paper cup installation of my friend Butch Carungay of AVATAR fantastic! I thought that it was really special and fun! I actually want to do this in my studio very soon! I hope Butch allows me!

FAME also has a section devoted to fashion! I found this amazing artisans that do the most exquisite pieces from gold with the same process unchanged since they started the company which in my mind is "panahon pa ni KULAFU!" LOL! I loved the history of this pendant.. I found it so special! The company is called Ricel's jewellery and you can email her at ramos_cecilia60@yahoo.com.ph

FAME also has a section devoted to fashion! I found these amazing artisans that do the most exquisite pieces from gold with the same process unchanged since they started the company which in my mind is "panahon pa ni KULAFU!" LOL! I loved the history of this pendant.. I found it so special! The company is called Ricel's Jewellery and you can email her at ramos_cecilia60@yahoo.com.ph

I loved this cross! Ricel's jewellery also made it. I think it's beautiful! It was also so well priced! Just under 180$ for this stunner!

I see Patrice's style in the installations! LOL! She has this soft strength and an amazing eye for texture and detail!

I found my buddy Rene Simbajon of Austolia jewelry arts! He won the Katha awards for best fashion accessory last season. Here he is with me wearing his new creation, a Fedora hat made from BRASS! I thought it was going to be heavy but it was really light! Check out his pieces as they are really stunning! info@austolia.com

I found a glove maker in the fair! I found this tooled glove so beautiful! I got his number for a couple of ideas perhaps for my store? Hmmm...His company is able to take in small quantities so that is very cool. His email adress is Quimado@allfashiongloves.com

The fashion section had a young designers competition and this always makes me smile!

I was really digging this bag inspired by the "bayong." I wonder if they will sell this locally? It would be the best summer beach bag!

It was also the very first time they had a section called ART-MANILA where in local galleries and artists could participate and show their work. This bahay-kubo sculpture was beautiful!

It was also the very first time they had a section called ART-MANILA where local galleries and artists could participate and show their work. This bahay-kubo sculpture was beautiful!

Some booths had artists in action!

This was the booth of my friend Patrice Ramos-Diaz. For several years now, she has been experimenting with various local and indigenous weaves! She creates the most romantic and dreamy dresses!

I like these knotted bags made in Bohol designed by my friend Doro Barandino for Bohol Beads & Fibers company. Check more of their work by clicking their website www.boholbeadsandfibers.com

Another new section in FAME is the health and wellness area where in several companies showcased their products catering to this growing market. I found the Tobees Apiary

I found the booth and the concept of this company really cool! They are called GUGO! They concentrated on natural soaps and other special beauty products! I loved the serenity of their booth! They were playing Japanese NOH music and the tent like structure was very soothing! To find GUGO, you may email them at Notabene@pldtdsl.net

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: art, fame, fashion, Fashion Insider, judging, local artists, local designers, rajo laurel, the 50th Manila FAME International, trade show
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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 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.

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!

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!

Tags: fame, Fashion Insider, friends, home decor, product design, rajo laurel
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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 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.

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

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'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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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! It's so nice!

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 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.

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!

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!

Tags: art, arts, awards, culture, design, fame, Fashion Insider, home decor, judge, local designers, philippines, product design, products, rajo laurel
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FAME: Part 2!

Monday, April 20th, 2009

I find it strange to feel Christmas in the middle of SUMMER! My goodness, it’s so hot outside now! However, I did have a really great surreal moment to be surrounded by all things holiday at FAME! This is the second part of my FAME series where we had to choose the best product design in the Holiday Decor category.

I loved this part of the show because it makes me feel like a child again. I mean, Christmas is really for children, so I went back to the time when I was 6 or 7 as we were choosing the winner. There were quite a number of fantastic ideas, and I am so glad that they allowed me to take photos so that I can remember them come Christmas time!

I loved the booth and products of TOPA of Manila inc.! They had a fantastic theme and they ran a way with it! The collection of these paper mache' based items were SOOOOO cute! This is their SNOWMAN series.

I loved the booth and products of TOPA of Manila Inc! They had a fantastic theme and they ran away with it! The collection of these paper-mâché based items were SOOOOO cute! This is their SNOWMAN series.

I adored TOPAS' Santas! They reminded me of peppermint candies! I love that SANTA came in all shapes and sizes. Thin, fat, tall, short Santas were all over. You can email TOPA at topaworks@mail.com

I adored these bunny rabbits! I really loved the old fashion appeal of these stuffed toys. I wanted to buy them for my nieces! They are made by BenJoy Inc. You can contact them through their email add: benjoy@mozcom.com

These items were also so strange! They reminded me of creatures from my old fairy tale books! They had these scary but cool attitude about them.

These items were also so strange! They reminded me of creatures from my old fairy tale books! They had this scary but cool attitude about them.

These lambs were also made from paper. The wool on them are actually coiled newspaper! How cool is that?

These lambs were also made from paper. The wool on them is actually coiled newspaper! How cool is that?

I was really impressed with this company! These fairies are from the Accent pieces. I found the fairy series really wonderful!

These wreaths won the KATHA 2009 award for Best Product design in the Holiday Decor category. They are made from recycled paper and paint. Congratulations to ACCENT Pieces! You can get in touch with them through accentpieces@i-manila.com.ph

I loved this reindeer suite! They are made from found drift wood pieces. I liked the natural ease of the design and its ecological appeal.

I loved this reindeer suite! They are made from driftwood pieces. I liked the natural ease of the design and its ecological appeal.

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: awards, christmas, culture, eco-chic, fame, Fashion Insider, holiday, rajo laurel
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FAME: Part 1!

Friday, April 17th, 2009

This is part one of my Manila FAME series. I decided to break it down into parts because I wanted to make my entries more cohesive. There were so many fantastic items of display that if I were a woman, I would probably have had a nervous breakdown! LOL!

To be honest , there were really only a few standout designs that really excited me, but these few were really exceptional! Take a look and be mesmerized!

From the minute that I saw this piece, I was like, WHOA! That's FABULOUS! However, I thought, "My GOD, that must be heavy!" But as I picked it up, I was really surprised at how light it was! The details are just GORGEOUS! I loved this piece. In fact, this was one of the nominees for the best fashion accessories award. It was designed by Rene R. Simbajon of Austolia Jewelry arts. They are a Cebu based company, so you can get in touch with them through info@austolia.com

I love chunky cuffs! I fell in love with these cuffs immediately! I wonder if they would allow me to use them for my fashion shows? HMMM....

A selection of Austolia's outstanding designs!

Austolia also had some cocktail rings on display.

I found the color of this sea snake clutch really beautiful!

This neck piece is made from black nylon garter and crystals! I originally thought that it was the straps of this gown, but it was actually a neck piece. I liked it! I like how the industrial and the refined complemented each other. I found this at the Sebina booth. They were showcasing materials made from pine apple and bamboo!

I found the products of ISH fashion Accessories really promising! I adored how the designer used computer chips or mother boards for her pieces. I automatically nominated them for the Eco-Luxury category. ISH is also a Cebu-based company, with Ms. Mary Karen Woolbright as the chief designer.

This piece was too cute for words! They were made from instant noodle wrappers! LOL! You can get in touch with ISH through karen@ishboutique.com

I liked this bag! Its a reworked basket with an attached canvas body/handle. Its from Baguio and although simple I thought it had a really strong commercial appeal. Its made by the Mayat-an handicrafts company.

I liked this bag! It's a reworked basket with an attached canvas body/handle. It's from Baguio, and although it's simple, I thought it had a really strong commercial appeal. It's made by the Mayat-an handicrafts company.

Citem asked a friend of mine to assist some of the companies as a consultant. Fashion designer Robie Lolin created this neckpiece. I liked the play on the blue colors with the wood base. Very chic, with a gentle nod to Marni.

I was so happy to bump into the great doyene of the jewelry world...non other than Jul Dizon! This woman is really a design force! Her jewelry designs are the best in the country! I was so happy that she was there! Her rutilated quartz necklace was to die for!

I was so happy to bump into the great doyene of the jewelry world...none other than Jul Dizon! This woman is really a design force! Her jewelry designs are the best in the country! I was so happy that she was there! Her rutilated quartz necklace was to die for!

This was the most compelling fashion accessory in the show! They are eyeglass frames were just to die for! I love how funky they were! I thought that they were so special! I am glad that this piece won the KATHA 2009 best product design for Fashion Accessories! This was designed by Rene R. Simbajon or Austolia Jewelry Arts! Congratulations!

This was the most compelling fashion accessory in the show! The eyeglass frames were just to die for! I love how funky they were! I thought that they were so special! I am glad that this piece won the KATHA 2009 best product design for Fashion Accessories! This was designed by Rene R. Simbajon or Austolia Jewelry Arts! Congratulations!

This is the very talented Rene R.Simbajon. I love how he really surprised me with his fun and quirky designs! I am glad that he won!

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: accessories, awards, culture, fame, fashion, Fashion Insider, local artists, philippines, rajo laurel
Posted in Fashion Insider | 1 Comment »

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?!

: 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 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!

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!

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.

: 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!