US Embassy Manila Presents Its First-Ever Eco-Fashion Show

Glitzy, glamorous, and green. The first-ever eco-fashion show hosted by U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. at his Forbes Park residence was an earth-friendly, star-studded occasion to remember. 

Aptly titled  "Forward Fashion: A September Evening to Remember," the event was a celebration of U.S.-Filipino collaboration in eco-fashion and design, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development under the creative direction of Aristeo Tengco and showcasing Philippine Fashion designs of Dita Sandico-Ong and Paul Cabral.

The Ambassador’s residence became the venue for a full-ramp fashion show, where famous faces from show business, fashion modeling, "beauties with a cause" from the Miss Philippines Earth Foundation, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus  Raj and several Embassy staffers donned the designers’ creations. Princess of all media Anne Curtis walked the runway, as stunning as ever in Dita Sandico-Ong’s sculptural wraps.

Paul Cabral’s style creations were modeled by Dennis Trillo, Matteo Gudicelli, Daniel Matsunaga, Victor Aliwalas, James Blanco and Fred Payawan. Fashion Forward’s glamour even converted a few of the Embassy’s own diplomats into models for sustainable designs by Levi’s, Timberland, Lumago, and Rags2Riches. Guests from the worlds of arts and culture, education, and the international community graced the occasion. In what may be the last big event he will host as U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Harry K. Thomas expressed his pride “that the United States is a leader in sustainable development and environmental protection, not just at home, but around the world."  

Noting two projects of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) featured during the occasion – Eco-Fish and CEnergy – the Ambassador praised these joint efforts by the U.S. government and the Philippine government to promote sustainable fisheries, address energy security and combat climate change. "Our governments’ cooperation via the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation is helping preserve the biodiversity of the Philippines’ forests.  And our bilateral Science and Technology Agreement ensures that the best science and technology will be available to meet the challenges of sustainability," Thomas added.

The Philippines' Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr. joined Ambassador Thomas in noting the natural and creative riches of the Philippines and the role both can play in fueling a resurgent economy. As part of the event on sustainable style, one exhibit showcased compelling stories of how the U.S. and the Philippines are working together towards a more sustainable future. Another exhibit space featured American companies and their stories of successfully supporting sustainable development through U.S.-Filipino partnerships. 

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Hola! Philippines’ Inaugural Issue Out Now with Anne and Jasmine Curtis-Smith

HOLA! Philippines, the country’s newest luxury lifestyle magazine, is all set to conquer the local readership with its uniquely glamorous take on entertainment, Philippine Fashion and high society as it launches its first-ever issue this month.

Gracing the cover of HOLA! Philippines’ September 2013 issue are none other than gorgeous celebrity sisters Anne and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. In an exclusive, glamorous 10-page spread, Anne proudly talks about how her little sister  is all grown up and coming into her own as a promising actress, while Jasmine reveals how she’s determined to exhibit the same drive and ambition as she follows the footsteps of her superstar sister.

Espousing the well-loved HOLA! tradition, HOLA! Philippines offers tasteful, carefully crafted stories and photos that give readers an exciting glimpse into the lives of the hottest celebrities and personalities, both local and international. Joining the Curtis-Smith siblings on the cover are Prince William and Kate Middleton with their newborn son, Prince George of Cambridge, in his first public appearance. Also featured in HOLA!’s pages are Belgium’s newly crowned King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in an emotional coronation ceremony; business scion Kevin Tan and Michelle See celebrating their union in a lavish, fun-filled wedding in Singapore; high-society sweetheart Natalia Zobel and friends jetting off to the magical Balesin Island in Quezon province, the newest playground of the rich and famous; a tour of Pedro and Gina Roxas’ idyllic Mediterranean-inspired Forbes Park home;  sports royalty Anton del Rosario and fiancée Samantha Richelle showing some love on the field; and many more. Meanwhile, for this issue’s profile stories, HOLA! catches up with Jerika Ejercito, whose bout with depression inspired her to set up the I Am The Issue Foundation that advocates mental health awareness; young racer Marlon Stöckinger, who’s on the road to becoming the first Filipino F1 driver; and boutique owner Joanna Preysler Francisco, who shares her age-defying secrets to living a healthy, happy life.

Having established itself as a trusted, reputable publication since 1944, HOLA! now invites Filipino readers to be a part of its illustrious legacy, which also includes HELLO! UK and several other international editions. Why name the Philippine franchise “HOLA!”? “It is more catchy and given our colonial history, something that is quite familiar and has recall with majority of Filipinos,” explains Publisher Paolo Manzano. On putting together HOLA! Philippines’ first issue, Editor-in-Chief Jose Mari Ugarte sums up the experience in one word: EXHILARATING. “Because that word means exciting, thrilling, stimulating, elating, animating, invigorating, and making joyful–and all those words described the process of creating the premiere issue,” he says. Joining Ugarte in the HOLA! Philippines Editorial Team are Rorie Carlos-Manzano, Fashion and Beauty Director; Stephanie Zubiri, Lifestyle Editor; Stef Juan, Managing Editor; Kitchie Cruz, Online and Social Media Editor; Red de Leon, Art Director; Magic Liwanag, Photo Editor; and Myta Santiago, Editorial Assistant.

HOLA!’s global appeal is rooted in one thing: “Our unique and simple proposition, which is that life is beautiful and that everyone should be celebrating this,” says Manzano. Lighthearted and wholesome, its people-centered style of reportage is both heartwarming and humorous, with just the right dose of trivia to tickle the reader’s fancy. “It’s a magazine about the celebration of life,” explains Ugarte, “where accomplished and successful people, who are both celebrated and know how to celebrate, invite us into their personal lives by telling us their stories, letting us into their homes, introducing us to their loved ones, and showing us how they enjoy their lives by allowing us to tag along on their holiday vacations, events, and parties.” At the same time, it’s a luxury magazine that has everything today’s stylish urban consumers would want to have and experience–from the latest fashion trends and designer accessories, to upscale dining, exclusive events and exotic travel destinations.

HOLA! Philippines offers a slice of the good life for only Php 160. HOLA! is available in both print and digital editions, within Metro Manila and in key provincial retail outlets. Digital subscriptions are available via the Zinio app for only $34.99/year; for print editions, e-mail subscriptions@holamag.ph. Follow HOLA! Philippines on Twitter and Instagram (@holamagph), join the conversation on Facebook (#holamagph), or visit www.holamag.ph. For photo coverage of the event, visit Event Lover’s Hideout in Facebook

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SM Ladies’ Fashion Joins Mega Pinoy Pride Ball 2013

WHEN it comes to standing on the world stage, the Filipino is an expert. This sentiment of excellence was clearly present at the Mega Pinoy Pride Ball 2013 where the glitterati turned out to celebrate decades of Philippine global achievement. An evening of delectable cuisine and fashionable fare included SM Ladies’ Fashion’s latest contribution to chic essentials perfect for the successful, globe-trotting fashion savvy Filipinas.

SM Ladies’ Fashion joined the talented array of Mega Magazine’s young designers and exceptional Filipinos, showcasing their latest Philippine Fashion collection punctuated by pops of color and genuine cosmopolitan style. Sleek, floral tuxedo jackets topped slinky pencil skirts, cropped pants, and tailored shorts putting a new wave spin on chic for the jet-set. The 12-piece sequence, styled by Patrick Galang, came down the runway to the classic tune of The Hotdogs’ Manila, sung by Callalilly vocalist, Kean Cipriano. 

Vice President of SM Ladies’ Fashion Ms. Charlene Yu-Banzal, Sari Yap of One Mega Group, Mega Magazines Suki Salvador, Carlo and Cat Antonio, Eughie Teng of Elite Manila, celebrity blogger Ingrid Chua-Go, and Filipino designers Ivarluski Aseron, Fredrick Peralta, and Joey Samson were spotted mingling with their friends at the venue, eyeing the fabulous Asian-inspired pantsuits and fresh casual apparel. Local stars Rhian Ramos, KC Montero, G. Toengi, TV host Bianca Gonzalez, models Daniel and Vanessa Matsunaga, entrepreneur GP Reyes, DJ Andi Manzano, and Saga Events’ Chairman Robby Carmona also enjoyed the sumptuous dishes prepared by Shangri-La Hotel Makati. Honorees and spectators alike greeted the inspiring spectacle with rousing approval in light of the Philippines’ worldwide accomplishments.

Those looking to add some elegant travel staples to their wardrobe can check out the SM Ladies’ Fashion collections, available at all SM Stores nationwide. 

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