A Garden Wedding in August ( Natividad - Rempillo Wedding, August 22, 2009)

Its was Michael and Katherine's turn to tie the knot. Anne is Michael's older sister from whom I had the privilege of creating their attires for their wedding years back. This is a testimony of satisfaction and I was trusted again to do Anne's brother Michael's wedding to Katherine, a soft spoken but real nice bride-elect.
It was just the right time when we arrived at the hotel where Katherine has decided to dress up. The coordinator has greeted us and welcome us to the room. It was a very commendable gesture.
A first glimpse of the bride finally made-up and dressed in her wedding attire was a revelation. Kathrina was so pretty and radiant in her dress. I myself didn't realize that the gown would definitely flatter her figure and create a beautiful and elegant bride. The hair and make-up was fabulously made. Jackie's skill hasn't tarnished a bit as a wedding hair and make-up artist. One of the underrated make-up artist and yet with world class craftsmanship. How can Kathrina go wrong with this talent? Photographers and videographers were busy documenting the wedding.
From the hotel, we proceeded to the ceremony venue still to assist Kathrina until she commences with her wedding march. Guest has filled up the garden chapel.
The weather cooperated well with them. As we left the chapel, I knew it would be a well celebrated wedding.

Michael and Kath's pool of suppliers:

Photography: Jorge's Portrait
Videography: Jorge's Portrait
Wedding Coordinator: Junlyn Miranda
Hair and Make-up: Jackie Rivera
Caterer: Josiah's Catering

Dressing Venue: Rm. 1104, Discovery Suites
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, Fernwood Gardens
Reception Venue: Main Garden, Fernwood Gardens

Twyne at Eighteen ( Christine O. Durmiendo Debut, August 15, 2009)

I've known Twyne (or Tintin), since she was a little girl. She's Romy and Ondette's daughter, dear friends that I've known way back in medical school. Oh well, there's got a lot to be grateful for getting into med school. I've met a lot of wonderful real people. Time flies so fast, I was surprised when Ondette called me that Twyne's 18th birthday was fast approaching and being her designer for so many years , once again, she has entrusted her daughter's ball dress fit for her 18th birthday.




It was a masquerade themed debut and I used colors that best describe Twyne. I also made the dress for the Ondette and Sophia, their youngest daughter and my "inaanak" as well. That's how bonded we are all these years. We do not frequent each other's company but the warmth of the friendship has stayed. It was a modest event. The venue was at the Plaza Ibarra along Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The food was great and was had so much choices and was more than enough for all their invited guests. Twyne saw to it that her party was planned very well. From the invites, to the physical set up and props of the event was meticulously handled by the celebrant herself. The cotillion dance was well executed. You will definitely see the closeness of their family with there relatives as this was an all Durmiendo - Olifernes Event Productions. Along with the other programs of the event, it was a success.

I can't do a Houdini this time. Its very seldom that I stay thru the entire celebration. But of course there will be exceptions. This was one of them. The turnout of this event is one to be remembered. I look forward to Sophia's turn.

From Vegas to Samar via Manila ( Berongoy - Gerente Wedding, May 19, 2009)

Venjie is one of the many on-line brides I had. I should have posted this blog two months ago. Its a late posting for me. But all I have are fine words to describe this couple who tied the knot and at the same time celebrate their long years of union blessed with two children. Venjie is a Las Vegas-based nurse and works at the
NICU(Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)section of the Pediatrics Department. Having experienced myself as a junior medical intern and a post-graduate intern back in medical school, I know how stressful it is working in that kind of ICU section for newborns. Dave and the kids are based here in Manila.




The working relationship was based purely on an on-line arrangement and short messaging. Venjie was very pleasant, easy to please and because we feel we have this commonality of experience with patients, it even became a lot easier for us to jive and develop a very good long distance rapport. Of course Dave is not to be left behind as he saw to it that despite his work schedule and taking care of the kids, he is synchronised with us with progress. It was even a more pleasant atmosphere when I finally met Venjie in person. My appreciation and delight for the wide Starbucks mug from Las Vegas and the wonderul vanilla room scent Venjie gave me as my "pasalubong"(souvenir gift). Since their wedding will take place in Samar, I felt so priviledged that she opted to have their family's attire made here in Manila by me and got the rest of her suppliers in th neighboring cities of the provinces in Visayas. The first fitting was almost to perfect. Thanks to the ever reliable measurement guide form I get to send to my overseas bride. I was very happy she liked the gown the moment I sent her the pictures via e-mail and the more she appreciated it when she fitted it the first time. It had always been a consistent experience for me that overseas brides are very easy to please and a lot easier to work with. Its July now and she still e-mails me back for her apparel concerns. It was a very pleasant experience for me working for Dave and Venjie. Dave looked gorgeous in his piña-silk barong attire with beige sinuksok details. Tying the knot at the St. Bartholomew Parish in Catbalogan Samar, the reception immediately followed at Tia Anita's Garden.

JOEL BAUTISTA at the the Philippine Fashion Week 2009 Holiday Collections, Grand Allure Show

EVENT: Philippine Fashion Week 2009 Holiday Collections
SHOW: GRAND ALLURE
DATE: May 29, 2009
TIME: 6:00 pm
VENUE: SMX CONVENTION CENTER, FUNCTION ROOMS 2 & 3
FASHION SHOW DIRECTOR: CATA FIGUEROA



I salute the head organizers of the event namely, Joey and Audie Espino of Runway Productions. They are a big contribution to the status and future of the fashion industry of the country. Its no big joke to mount many shows in just week dedicated to fashion.



You get to meet new designers, young designers, provincial but established and noted designers in their locale. It was nerve wracking at the back stage as we tried to make sure that our respective collections are well and place and the models wear the clothes properly with the matched shoes and accessories. Some of us were priveledged to be interviewed by televison network anchormen for their program shows.
The hair and make-up team headed by Jinky Ilusorio did the fabulous make up. Who else but Jackie Rivera the expert stylist did the tower hair-do for the models. I had a great model line-up with Justine Gabionza, Sandra Seifert (Newly crowned Miss Philippines- Earth 2009), Lynn Roxas, Merille Raagas, and six more fantastic models
wearing my clothes on the runway. My office staff Dina and Jacqui did an exellent job in assisting the models change their dress.



It was a quick ramp for the 10-pc collection I had . "Puttin' On the Ritz" by Falco, an 80's song provided the gliding mood for the models. Justine was the last to walk. A fabulous tableu formation showcased my collections once more and it was my turn to make a curtain call. It was a full house and I could see my friends and clients despite the glaring lights on the runway.


There were 15 designer participants for the grand allure show and I was the 5th on cue. Indeed was a fast phased ramp for the models. The show ended close to an hour that was just fitting enough making sure that 150 collections were viewed by the audience and not being dragged and stoned watching our collections for over an hour.


Verdict: the show was a success! My gratitude to all my clients, friends, staff and peers in the industry who showed support for me. An most of all my family who were all there for me.

PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK 2009 HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS: GRAND ALLURE SHOW

PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK 2009 HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS
GRAND ALLURE SHOW: May 29, 2009, Friday, 6:00 pm, SMX Convention Center, Function Rooms 2 & 3

SHOW DIRECTOR: CATA FIGUEROA

PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS:

BENJIE MANUEL
BOY GUINO-O
DAX BAYANI
JAZ CEREZO
JOEL BAUTISTA
JOHN HERRERA
JONTIE MARTINEZ
LIZANNE CUA
LLOYD ARCEO
MARCK RANCY
MELVIN LACHICA
NAT MANILAG
PHILIP TORRES
POPO GO
REN MANABAT


SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!! :-)

PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK ' 09 HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS

My mind is pre-occupied with the forthcoming Philippine Fashion Week from May 26 till June 3, 2009. Events will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia
Complex. I'll be presenting a 10-piecee collection for the GRAND ALLURE show on FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2009, 6:00 PM. After an absence last year, I'm back and will be presenting a different concept and inspiration for the show. Still working on my collections. Fitting of the dresses is scheduled third week this month. There's still a lot to do with the pieces. I hope to beat the deadline. Cata Figueroa is directing our show with Runway Productions Joey and Audie Espino, heading the event. Over 100 designers are participating and I'm one of the priviledged designers to be in this undertaking.
I continously aspire to be a well-rounded designer. My specialty indeed is on weddings. However, I believe a designer should be in experience with the many facets of fashion. As the saying goes, "Respect is not demanded, its earned." Working hard to establish my niche not just in the wedding industry but on a bigger scale which is the Fashion industry. Its not about being famous of course! Its about being recognized and respected on the primary aspect of it all, FASHION. I would just evaporate on thin air to be tagged as a "first-class modista". For whatever the nasty meaning and branding is , I would never want to be in their league. The quest continues for me.

An Athletic Debutant ( Nadine Castillo Debut, February 28, 2009)

It's one of those inquiry that I get from the internet. Amy, Nadine's mom was my inquiry client. It was going to be the 18th birthday of their only daughter, Nadine.
Nadine is a second year university student at my ANIMO alma mater. A member of the Tennis team of De La Salle University. She is every inch a girl and a lady at that.
Their family is originally from Lipa, Batangas and her folks are happy and proud that their "unica hija" is already a lady. Of course like, my commitments to my bride-clients, a debutant can no more be an exception to my commitment. Me and my staff went to her dressing venue and made sure that all their concerns are being attended to.

Like any other 18th birthday celebration, the event started behind schedule. They had to wait for important guests travelling all the way from Lipa.
But all is well that ends well. After Nadine's introduction, she had a very dramatic red carpet entrance and this celebrant was singing her way through this traditional entrance of the celebrant. The venue was full of guests who came to celebrate her coming out party.

NADINE'S DREAM TEAM:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Utlramediavison
VIDEOGRAPHY: Utlramediavision
EVENT COORDINATOR: Eventrix
Hair and make-up Artist: Edzel Cardil
Invitations: Cardprints
Shoes and bag: Joel Bautista
Caterer: Tamayo's Catering

DRESSING VENUE: Coconut Palace
CELEBRATION VENUE: Coconut Palace