| It's Done. |
[May. 28th, 2009|03:33 pm] |
It starts. Rest muna for a few days. |
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| Press Out Takes |
[May. 5th, 2009|11:01 am] |
May 26 Tuesday 8 PM SMX Mall Of Asia.
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| It's Official |
[Apr. 30th, 2009|11:01 am] |
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I am in, I have a slot, I'm going to fashion week! Gosh I never felt this nervous in like, like since 2006 when I did that "global" showdown. I wish lang may mananahi would get well na and come to work so I can finish the last 8 looks. Lalalalalalalalalalalala! |
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| Two Years |
[Apr. 10th, 2009|11:27 am] |
The bed is still unmade. The pale blue sheets are paler still under the white mosquito nets. The light is washed and scented with earl grey tea and the faint voice of Julio Iglesias from somewhere deep in the trees, further still my nephews' are arguing who should take the cat out of the box. Outside the courtyard walls, everything is green and blue and waving and breaking along the edges with bougainvilla flowers. I haven't slept in the farm for two years. I don't care anymore that a giant jar of Skippy Creamy Peanut butter is sitting with the prints from Toledo. The curtains are washed and washed out. Everything has finally aged beyond their original flea market age. They have aged with me. The bed will remain unmade until sunset, there is no audience for my decorating skills. All is well in my room in the mountain. |
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| (no subject) |
[Mar. 20th, 2009|10:45 pm] |
1. While I was in Osaka, I was hoping that my "mananahi" would return to work. It didn't happen. So tomorrow I will interview two new applicants.
2. While I was in Osaka, it took all my will not to be side tracked by the barrage of influences. The fashion was all classic pieces but tweaked in proportion and fabrication. I wanted to just buy everything in sight. I also found ukai ukai in Osaka! Two stores, Jolt and We Go. The merchandise is clean, organized and thematic. They also carry new stuff and We Go even had exclusive collaborations with Lee Jeans. My collection is set. My collection is set. My collection is set. I'm hoping this one works so I can do it again come September, then I can pour out all my Osaka fashion encounter for summer next year!
3. Back from Osaka, I am still waiting for my interview with Runaway Productions. I need to pass the interviews and fulfill whatever requirements to get a slot for the solo show. The applications have been overwhelming this year and I heard rumors that a few alumni have been refused a slot. While waiting, I will continue doing my collection. If, heaven forbid, I don't get a slot I will have an online fashion show or something. Philippine Fashion Week will happen between May 26 and June 2.
4. I'm starting with my little clutches for the show. I really wanted to do them in leather but the leather available in the Philippines is limited. I found a supplier but the colors and finishes are limited, I need garment leather. I need something very soft to execute the little crumply folds. Tokyu Hands sell leather from so diffrent animals, in different finishes and in so many colors. They are expensive so I just got a few cuts. They also sell hardware for making bags. I love Japan! So my little clutches will be a combination of real leather, faux leather and "treated" fabrics.
5. The new batch of "accessories" came in while I was away. I love love love them. My inspiration is poisonous plants and animals. :D
6. The cost of making shoes for the show is crazy! The first three studies will remain to be studies. :( I have a new crazy idea and I will find out the new cost tomorrow. I hope it's more manageable.
7. My pants and skirts will start production tomorrow. Blood! I never thought it would be this difficult. |
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| Still In Japan |
[Mar. 14th, 2009|10:54 pm] |
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It's not Tokyo but Osaka is still Japan. I get the sudden urge to fold my laundry into nice little shapes. I take a few extra minutes to make sure that my collar is arranged just so. I am again picking up my sketch book to record details. In Japan, it's all about the details. Little things hang from cellphones, translucent paper is inserted into glass partitions, a ribbon is used to tie the shopping bag - inside the shopping bag. It's more than just the guessed fetish, it's like little distilled assertions of one person in such minute spaces and gestures. It's like little worlds. I like how global influences are filtered into essential strokes. Preppy ribbon details are stitched into unlined suits not simply to stop the fabric edges from fraying but to play hide and seek between seams and hems. It's a cute visual game. It's kawai. Speaking of seams, why go straight down if it can wrap around the pants, articulating the leg anatomy like Gundam Robot. I have seen flawless crafsmanship in Japanese clothes but it's the seeming random finish of tucks and pleats that make them so appealing. So finished and yet so unfinished, so permanently fluid. |
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| Meanwhile |
[Mar. 11th, 2009|03:00 pm] |
My "mananahi" just walked out. No, I don't have a sweatshop. I pay them well and they even have free meals. Without a hi or a ho, as in "wala ng niha ni ho" he just stood up and left. I was in the office when it happened, even the other seamstresses have no idea what caused him to up and leave. He's been missing for the last two days. I have absolutely no clue as to why he left because since he started in January everything has been perfect. He is very talented and had been working in the industry for 20 years. We have a great working relationship, because he is very technical and he voices his opinions. He is not answering his phone. Sigh. If he comes back I will take him back for sure, we're half way through the collection and he understands what I want. Meanwhile I have to hire another one just in case.
Super meanwhile, the first nine studies of the "accessories" came in. Fabulous! I love being clueless on the rules so the results are unexpected. The next nine studies will come in when I come back.
Super super meanwhile. I'm leaving for Osaka tomorrow. "100" continues to be invited by festivals. So go na lang ng go. I'm so excited going back to Japan, but I'm also scared that I might see new fashion ideas. My collection is so set and I'm already borrowing a lot of Japanese ideas as it is, baka mag mukhang Made in Japan na ito. |
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| Forecast |
[Mar. 6th, 2009|02:49 pm] |
Entertaining ambitions at 43 is problematic. Projects, plans and punchlists from previous ambitions are routines for the middle age, but new ambitions? Ambitions carry huge engines fueled by youth, enthusiam and "didn't-know-better" bravado, qualities in short supply past 40.
I applied for a spot in the Philippine Fashion Week for May. I want to do a solo show, meaning a minimum of 45 looks. I will find out if I would get a slot after the interviews towards the end of March. I submitted the required write up, sketches and sample garment. Now I wait. I heared 12 PFW alumni are set to do solo shows. Only 4 slots are open for new applicants, 20 applications came in so far.
I've always been involved in fashion but being a designer and doing a fashion show is something I've set aside in my early 20's. Now I'm giving it a go, at 43. The advantage of age is I've seen enough, I was there when the key looks of SS09 were starting out in the early 80's: shoulders, punk, neon, stilleto, etc etc. The disadvantage of age is I've seen too much. A young designer can respond to that unadulterated fund of first creative awakening, I've had 26 of those awakenings. The trick is to edit what I know and like.
While I'm waiting, i've started on my collection. I've sketched the "mother" pieces last October, did technical drawing by December, started fabric sourcing January, been constructing since February. It's fun, frustrating and totally exhilirating. I have no formal training in fashion design, pattern making and construction. My armhole knowledge sucks major. Sleeveless! I've styled fashion shows so I know there's so much variation in measurements among Filipino models. Loose silhouettes! There's a limited source of fabric in the Philippines so the same prints pop out in so many collections and retails outlets. Treat plain fabrics! I've served clients for so long, I don't think I can do made to order clothes from total strangers. The answer is RTW.
If I don't get into Fashion Week, I'll just think of an alternative presentation. Again the advantage of age, you have more resources.
Do I want to be a fashion designer? Do I want to be a big fashion designer? Do I want to be a mega succesful fashion designer? In my 20's the answer would have been yes. At 43 the answer is more cautious and calculated. These are questions best lumped with "When I grow up..." but when you're all grown up how do you phrase it? |
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| Pusan |
[Oct. 10th, 2008|08:56 pm] |
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I had a wonderful time in Pusan. I will go back to Pusan and then go to Seoul. "100" was invited to compete in the 13th Pusan International Film Festival. Our screening tickets were sold out within an hour. The audience was young and youngish. They laughed and cried. They asked really sharp questions during the Q&A. The best picture awards went to a Korea and China. "100" was awarded Audience Choice. Happiness! |
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| 99% |
[Jul. 21st, 2008|09:41 am] |
I am grateful. "100" won the most number of awards in the recently concluded Cinemalaya festival. Best supporting actress ( Eugene Domingo), best actress (Mylene Dizon), best screenplay ( Chris Martinez), best direction ( Chris Martinez also), People's Choice (I like this one). Best picture went to "Jay". It was well done.
Being a co-executive producer and creative supervisor is most rewarding. As Jessica Zafra texted, on to the multiplex. Me naman, i'm thinking of a sequel na for the coming Metro Manila FIlm Festival. "100 Things To Do After You Die". Joyce comes back to haunt Ruby. Joyce's ghost wears a gown of post-its and pops up in the most inconvenient moments. The new list will include possessions, levitations, seances, balete drive appearances, poltegeistings, etc. |
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| Damn Fire |
[Jul. 18th, 2008|09:57 am] |
Since the billboard site on Guadalupe burned down two weekends ago, i'm posting this here an lang. Photography Raymund Isaac/ Grooming Ricci Chan
Very High School Musical by the locker shot. Student and principal. |
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| Lost |
[Jul. 1st, 2008|10:47 am] |
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You look behind and find no tracks of where you've been, only an endless fall of days, blank as snow, untouched. |
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| What A Day |
[Jun. 30th, 2008|05:43 pm] |
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I need a hug and a drink. Or maybe a big big big glass of vodka 7 with flexible arms. And a giant paper napkin so I don't get any colder and wetter. |
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| 100! Plugging ito. |
[Jun. 23rd, 2008|02:43 pm] |
300 without the six packs! Char! There's sex, booze, music by chilli tees, travelogues, volcanic activities, food, food, food, oh and death of course! Two scenes with poverty, hmmm actually just poor people. And at least one scene with nudity! Watch na kayo please.
Please watch naman. Chris Martinez writes and directs this Cinemalaya 2008 entry. I am the MNR, a mommy-ni-rose-flaminiano producer.
Screenings: July 12 12:45 pm CCP Litttle Theater/ July 15 6:15 pm Gala CCP Main Theater/ July 17 3:30 pm CCP MKP Hall (English subtitles) / July 17 9:00 pm CPP Tanghalang Huseng Batute/ July 19 3:30 pm CCP Main Theater/ July 19 9:00 pm CCP MKP Hall (English subtitles).
Tickets are available at the CCP ticketing thing! The price? 100 pesos!
For Gala night, call 8302291, look for Grace. Or email grace.q@straightshooters.ph or krishna.loqez@strightshooters.ph. |
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| Wanderlust |
[Feb. 6th, 2008|12:51 pm] |
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I was born with a full sail on my back and an anchor made of tin. Sigh. |
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| Last Days Of Blanco |
[Feb. 2nd, 2008|11:09 pm] |
It started as a rumor. Blanco is closing down. They're tearing down the place. They'll build a high rise on top of its pnadak remains. They'll renovate and jack up the price. No one knows the truth except maybe our drivers who hang out with the building guards. Maybe even the guards were not told the whole truth. It was a conspiracy theory. There was wailing, gnashing of teeth, ashes on heads and some very expensive sacks rent. It's understandable, as far as we know, Blanco has the cheapest deals in the bestest spot in Makati. It was hell and the brokers circled. Whatever the truth is, the result is the same. I'm out of Blanco and I now live in Taguig!
Yesterday I moved out of Blanco. I'm one of the last ones to leave. Starting Monday, the hallway lights will be turned off, the elevators will only be switched on when someone needs to move things down (the elevator takes 30 seconds from the 9th floor to the ground floor), the basement parking will be closed, and the staff will be cut in half (in numbers). It's no last days of disco ( although I heard there were some heavy drug use on a certain floor) still it's sad to see all the characters pack up and leave.
At 3:15 this afternoon I locked and left my Blanco unit 802.
To Jay Lozada, Ricky Villabona, Desiree Pe, JouJou Into and Ralph Cenabre, Jeremy Barnes, Christine Del Valle, Lala FLores and her Chi Spa, Xeng Zulueta, Alta Tan, Rhett Eala, Joji Dingcong, Martin Nievera, Eric Quizon, Brent Javier, Becky Garcia, The T Models, Steve Mills, Tely Arce, Russel Molina, Jessica Zafra! Who else pa lived in Blanco? |
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| Curious |
[Jan. 21st, 2008|09:58 am] |
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Is a vacation about being somewhere or is it about being away? |
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| Posting |
[Jan. 7th, 2008|04:27 pm] |
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I'm posting this in a little internet/cafe near Union Square. The weather is wonderful! Yay! |
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| Usable Past |
[Jan. 5th, 2008|05:49 pm] |
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It´s a new year. Pull out the books and check the balance. Recall as much and decide how things stand. It´s daunting. The best part of this accounting is the gratitude I feel towards, everything really. The feeling quickly fades after 3 days when my birthday comes. I call a new year, communal amnesty, like almost everything can be revised, forgiven, changed. Like CAN BE. Almost. While birthdays for me are yardsticks. What should have been revised, forgiven, changed. At the most. I know it´s bleak but a few weeks later and I notice the hourglass is reversed again. More sand on the top than at the bottom. Anyway, live life to have more usable past and maybe even a useful future. |
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| Rio De Janeiro |
[Jan. 1st, 2008|04:56 pm] |
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Ok naman ang new year dito. Maraming nakaputi. Maraming may dalang bulaklak para ialay sa dagat. Kanta sila ng kanta habang naglalakad papunta sa Copacabana beach para panoorin ang fireworks. Bata, matanda, babae, lalake, bakla, tomboy. Masaya sila, maingay, galawgaw, magaganda pag sama-sama. Demokratiko sa pangangatawan at sa pananaw pagdating sa kawatan. Marunong silang lahat matuwa kaya naman talagang nakakatuwa. Pinapalakpakan nila ang pag lubog ng araw sa beach! Di ba nakakatuwa? Maraming naka trunks lang sa kalye kaya lalong mas nakakatuwa. Parang isang mahabang sieyesta sa tanghali ang Rio. Ok dito ang new year. |
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