Trends come and go, but authenticity is forever

Who’s on the list of Asia’s Most Stylish?

BY AA PATAWARAN

Oct 7, 2024 07:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Don’t be like the rest of them, darling. —Coco Chanel

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Tootsy Angara, James Reid, Trickie Lopa, Sarah Labati, Xandra Rocha Marcos, and Donny Pangilinan

In a dazzling confluence of culture, creativity, and charisma, Tatler Philippines mounted Tatler Asia’s grand reveal of Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 at The Gallery at Greenbelt 5, shining the spotlight on our very own stylesetters. 

 

The Filipinos on the list were headed by Heart Evangelista, who sadly could not make it on account of Milan Fashion Week. Nevertheless, like Christian Tantoco and Carl Jan Cruz, who were also unable to attend, she was warmly acknowledged among the nine from the Philippines who have been counted among the most stylish in the region this year.  

 

Let’s hear it for the six, whose presence at the grand reveal did make the evening sizzle with bold self-expression and creativity, a key criterion in the annual search.

Sam Thurman and Stephanie Zubiri

In a gown from Carl Jan Cruz’s “International Interbarangay 2023” collection, Trickie Lopa went up the stage at the recognition ceremony hosted by Stephanie Zubiri and Sam Thurman. Her eye for art, as co-founder of Art Fair Philippines, is reflected in the way she plays with her body as a canvas of expression.

Jessica Kienle Maxwell, Xandra Rocha Marcos, Shauna Jay Popple, and Isabel Francisco

Xandra Rocha wore “something fun, feminine, and flirty,” the keywords she used when she collaborated with Rajo Laurel on a dress custommade for the occasion.

 

Standing tall on towering Yves Saint Laurent stilettos and stunning in a Chynna Mamawal blazer and black lace bodysuit, Sarah Lahbati spoke of fashion as “a celebration of creativity and self-expression.”

 

Tootsy Angara wore joy, a pink cocktail dress adorned with bows and her heart on her sleeves. How to achieve her wearable optimism?  “I surround myself with people I love.”

James Reid and Donny Pangilinan

James Reid took the spotlight in Bagasáo, a brand on the rise representing his advocacy for Filipino designers. “Representing local fashion on the global stage is both an honor and a source of pride,” he said.

 

In tip-to-toe Louis Vuitton, Donny Pangilinan brought his sisters Hannah and Ella Pangilinan along because, as he shared lightheartedly, they have been their worst critics when it comes to personal expression.

Hannah Pangilinan, Sarah Lahbati, Donny Pangilinan, and Ella Pangilinan

“These are the style connoisseurs who are never afraid to push boundaries and show us what true style means,” said Tatler Philippines’ managing director Irene Martel Francisco in her opening speech, which was more a reminder that while trends might come and go, authenticity and bold expression would forever reign supreme.

Camille Villar and Allana Montelibano

 

Patrick Coard, Antonio Ressano, and Scott Woodward

 

Marga Nograles, Techie Hagedorn, Rocio Olbes, and Jet Acuzar Atienza

 

Ricky Toledo, Junie Peña, Natalia Peña, and Chito Vijandre

 

Hindy Weber, Macky Fah, and Julie Boschi

 

Isabel Francisco, Kifu Augousti, and Nikki Martel

 

Jia Estrella, Alexa Anandar, Alelee Anandar, Nikki Tang, Techie Hagedorn, and Allana Montelibano

GOSSIP GIRL: Bayang Barrios stages Bagong Umaga concert at Music Museum on Oct. 26

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Oct 8, 2024 07:28 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao.

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Bayang Barrios

Ateneo de Davao University recently recognized singer Bayang Barrios as its 2024 recipient of the Fr. Theodore Daigler Award for Culture and Arts for her music and advocacies. 

Gossip Girl was able to talk to Bayang, a Manobo Triber from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, “It was a real surprise for me, and it’s an honor I’ll take with me forever. Mindanao Culture is in everything that I do. Our rights, particularly those of the indigenous tribespeople in the south, have always informed my craft.” 

Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao. Her music, which blends modern folk with traditional Indigenous sounds, is a celebration of the country’s diverse cultural heritage and a call for justice and recognition for marginalized communities. Bayang grew up in a region where traditions were deeply rooted in the daily lives of her people; she was immersed in the rich oral and musical traditions of the Manobo tribe. These early influences and her exposure to mainstream Filipino music would shape her distinct sound as an artist. Her family’s experience as part of a marginalized indigenous group deeply affected her worldview, and it became a defining force behind her music. She sought to create music that entertained and educated people about indigenous Filipinos' struggles and contributions. From my interview with Bayang, I was particularly struck with these powerful words from the arad-winning singer, “I am so lucky to have these opportunities, as they allow me to share not just my music, but the music of our Indigenous Peoples, their cultures and their significance to our national fabric, through my songs. I fervently hope that a New Morning dawns on every one of us, regardless of how dire a situation we may find ourselves in. We need to realize that the sun rises every day, and it is a gift of renewal that should never be taken for granted.”

This major opportunity she is mentioning is not only her new award but also that she is back in the concert arena as she stages her second solo show, “Bagong Umaga,” at the Music Museum on Oct. 26. 

Bayang Barrios tells me that she is so blessed to be able to feature her brand of music in the 2024 concert scene, “World Music and especially Filipino music has its place in pop culture, and I am so happy to see many new bands and artists infuse their music with elements that are 'sariling atin'! I hope many of your readers of the Manila Bulletin will come to see the show. Mike and I are very proud of the music we have prepared for it, some re-imaginings of my songs, also of classic OPM, and new material  we wrote for a new album we’re releasing later this year.” Mike Villegas is the better half of Bayang Barrios. The Rizal Underground guitarist who popularized the songs 'Sabado Nights' and 'Bilanggo' has married Bayang Barrios for 22 years, “Mike and I have known each other for so long. We were boyfriend and girlfriend off and on for 11 years before tying the knot back in 2002. Bandmates, we wrote many songs together, such as 'Bagong Umaga,' which made it to the 1996 Metropop. Although it didn’t place, it has shone like a beacon all these years for us, with its many shared triumphs in chorale competitions worldwide. When we got married in 2002, it was the same year I won the 2002 Metropop with my entry, “Malayo Man Malapit Din”, while Mike placed 2nd with 'Pretend That I Don’t Love You!' We’ve co-produced many albums since, under my record label, which incidentally bears the name of our one and only child, our daughter Mayumi. She was diagnosed with mild autism, but she’s coping, and she was blessed with perfect pitch! She is a real blessing, a beautiful symbol of God’s love for Mike and myself.” 

Throughout her career, Bayang Barrios has used her platform to advocate for indigenous people's rights and raise awareness of their plight. The Lumad, in particular, have faced displacement and violence due to ongoing conflicts over land in Mindanao. Through her music, Bayang Barrios has highlighted their struggles, often singing in her native dialect to emphasize the importance of cultural preservation. Truly, Bayang Barrios is a champion of the indigenous rights of Mindanao tribes and environmental activism.