This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
We’ve all heard the saying, “Inspiration is everywhere.” This rings true for many fashion designers. Some travel to the farthest corners of the world to explore new cultures and infuse them into their creations, while others look inward, channeling their memories, passions, and even stories of joy and despair through wearable art. In some cases, designers also find inspiration in their industry heroes, creating pieces that pay homage to iconic designers and maisons that have made a lasting impact on the fashion world.
Renilde Vervoort and Hannah Demeyere, the creative forces behind Sassi Fine Jewellery
This latter form of inspiration was on display at “Dialogues of Design,” featuring Sassi Fine Jewellery’s collaboration with rising talents in the local fashion scene. Fashion designers Hannah Adrias, Abdul Gaffar, and Glyn Alley Magtibay were each tasked with interpreting the fine jewelry collections of the Switzerland-based brand. The partnership was made possible with the support of Mark Lim Higgins, director of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School.
“They had the freedom to do what they wanted, as long as there was a dialogue with the collections,” says Renilde Vervoort, co-founder of Sassi Fine Jewellery, in an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “This collaboration also gives me the oxygen to create. It makes me imagine more.”
Hannah Adrias’ design and ‘The Secret of Berenice’ collection
First to present her clothing interpretation of Sassi Fine Jewellery’s pieces was Hannah, the Gold Medal Winner of Ternocon 2020. She chose “The Secret of Berenice,” a collection inspired by Queen Berenice of Egypt, who, according to the brand, was the first woman to wear the peridot gemstone. The collection features cabochon peridot and amethyst set in 18K yellow gold. To reflect the collection’s allure, Hannah created a blush-colored dress to complement the fine jewelry. The design features her signature fabric manipulation technique, resulting in a raw yet romantic look that evokes the elegance of royalty.
Glyn Alley Magtibay’s creation and pieces from the ‘Horta’ collection
Glyn is known for her use of unconventional materials. During her participation in Ternocon 3 in 2023, she showcased terno creations adorned with X-ray films. She mirrored this technique once again in her design inspired by Sassi’s “Horta” collection. Drawing inspiration from the sinuous movement of vines in Art Nouveau architecture, the collection captures the delicate balance between nature and artistic form. Glyn’s piece features a patchwork of X-ray films, juxtaposing the elegant curves of the “Horta” jewelry with the striking prints of the human skeletal system.
Abdul Gaffar’s modern Filipiniana and the ‘Tanit’ collection
Lastly, Abdul, recipient of the Chief Mentor’s Medal at Ternocon 2020, put a modern twist on the classic Filipiniana, combining both historical and contemporary elements in his interpretation of Sassi’s “Tanit” collection. Inspired by ancient goddesses and powerful women of antiquity, Abdul’s minimalist and contemporary design consists of a piña jusi top paired with a black floor-length tube skirt, echoing the black diamonds and ancient intaglio coins featured in the collection.
This collaboration underscores Sassi Fine Jewellery’s commitment to celebrating creativity and individuality. At its heart, it reflects the Maison’s core values, with each designer drawing inspiration from one of Sassi’s jewelry collections and translating its aesthetic into fashion. The collaboration highlights the synergy between jewelry and fashion, where both art forms enhance one another to create meaningful, lasting stories.
To learn more about Sassi Fine Jewellery and its collections, visit @sassifinejewellery on Instagram.
"We need to be mindful about how we make things because there’s already so much waste... We practice responsible crafting, ensuring we use discarded materials," co-founder Maan Agsalud said.
Common Room PH’s journey started as a dream. Roma Agsunod and Maan Agsalud’s journey began by showcasing the dolls and plushies they created through their brand, Pop Junk Love. As they moved from one bazaar to the next, they grew their network, forming friendships with other local makers, small business owners, and creatives. They wanted a physical store but knew they couldn’t limit it to showcasing only their dolls. So, they invited their friends to join them in this vision.
Roma Agsunod and Maan Agsalud
“It’s named Common Room because it’s a shared space for different makers,” Maan tells Style Weekend. “If you’re a maker who joins pop-ups and bazaars, opening a shop is one of the milestones you imagine. We wanted to share the idea of having a permanent store with other makers.”
In 2015, they opened Common Room PH in Katipunan, Quezon City. The store featured handmade local goods, eventually becoming a hub for local makers and creatives. Over time, it expanded, bringing Filipino products closer to more people through branches in malls. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, forced them to let go of the Katipunan space to keep the business afloat. But as one door closed, another opened. Last August, in time for Common Room PH’s anniversary, they opened the doors to its Mess Studio inside The Atrium of Makati.
Common Room PH’s Mess Studio fronts Style Weekend's Nov. 1, 2024 digital cover
“This is a very experimental space for us. All our other branches focus on retail, but we’ve long wanted a space like this,” Maan says. “When we saw the opportunity to rent this place, we took a leap. This is a space where we can do a lot of things. Everything we wanted to put in our other branches, we made sure to include here.”
The new, larger branch accommodates more makers and strengthens their mission of creating a community through mindful, creative projects. Outside, a signboard displays words like “magkalat,” “mamili,” “magbasa,” and “magkape” in bold Quiapo font, summarizing the new store’s experience.
Mess Studio's retail area
For the love of all things local
Much like its other branches, the 300-square-meter space features a Retail Area stocked with Filipinomade products. Underneath moody lighting and origami cranes, shelves are filled with handwoven bags, skincare essentials, cups, and more. Hanging on the walls are stickers, accessories, and other anik-anik. A nice corner is set aside for clothing and wearable items.
“The difference is that around 40 to 50 percent of the featured makers here are new,” Maan says. “They haven’t been in any other stores and are new to Common Room. We still have our bestsellers, so it’s a mix of established and new makers.”
A
Craft area
Responsible crafting
The founders’ pride in the new store lies in its Craft Area, where people can get messy, find joy in working with their hands, and unplug. The space features long tables with mismatched secondhand chairs, perfect for creative pursuits. The Craft Area offers nine upcycling projects available with the purchase of a Craft Pass (₱799), which includes tools, materials, and project guides. Alternatively, guests can bring their own projects and access the store’s tools with a Seat Pass (₱499 for five to eight hours or ₱299 for one to four hours). There’s also a kid’s room with books and art materials for families bringing young ones.
Encouraging mindful crafting, Common Room uses only donated scrap materials in its projects, which are contributed by its friends, makers, and patrons.
Common Room Ph's upcycling projects
“As much as possible, all the crafts are upcycled, using plastic bottles, scrap fabrics, and paper… We need to be mindful about how we make things because there’s already so much waste,” Maan explains. “We practice responsible crafting, ensuring we use discarded materials. Guests can finish projects in a day and take them home.”
On weekends, the Craft Area often hosts workshops, seminars, and other activities. Occasionally, Common Room PH also organizes “Craft Tambay,” inviting makers to share their stories and crafts.
Donated books and some reading materials from the founders' own collection are on display
Read through the pages
A new feature in the store is its Community Library. Visitors can lounge, read books, and find inspiration from reading materials in the founders’ collection and donations. Currently, the books are for in-store enjoyment, though the lounge area offers books and zines for sale from local publishers and self-published authors.
Community wall
Building a community
As a collaborative space for artists and makers in the Philippines, Common Room PH supports its makers’ and other organizations’ projects. Its Community Wall features posters of their upcoming events.
Mango Sago and Tapa Pandesal
Eats and sips
Rounding out the experience at Common Room PH’s Mess Studio is a café and snack bar. While working on crafts or reading in the lounge, visitors can enjoy nostalgic treats and drinks. The café menu includes merienda treats like Tuna Pandesal (₱160), Kesong Puti Pandesal (₱170), and Longanissa Pandesal (₱180). Customers can pair these with mango blends, ginger-calamansi drink, hot chocolate, or coffee brews in partnership with Convenience Coffeehouse. Must-try items include Tapa Pandesal, a twist on tapsilog, and the crowd-favorite Mango Sago (₱170).
Common Room PH's Mess Studio facade
#StyleWeekend experience
There’s much to explore in the Mess Studio and its surrounding areas during the weekend. Maan recommends starting with a stroll around Ayala Triangle Gardens or The Atrium for photo-taking and finding inspiration. Visitors can then enjoy crafting, reading, and a coffee break at the Mess Studio before wrapping up the experience with a Chinese meal at Tien Tien Hotpot Restaurant inside The Atrium.
Common Room PH’s Mess Studio is located at The Atrium of Makati. Its other branches are at UP Town Center, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Maintaining peace, fostering good diplomatic relations, and representing their home country’s values are some of the responsibilities of foreign ambassadors and diplomats. Apart from their work at the embassies, they are also known for immersing themselves in their host country’s heritage through various events, whether cultural or philanthropic. A testament to this is the “Diplomats For A Cause” charity gala.
Led by SHOM (Spouses of Heads of Mission) and SM Retail, the charity gala took place at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel on Oct. 8, 2024, shining a spotlight on Filipino fashion and its potential to uplift marginalized communities. The diplomatic community, Filipino cultural identity, and MSME-driven retail ingenuity all came together to show their support as ambassadors, diplomats, and their spouses gamely took to the runway, modeling pieces from SM Retail’s Kultura, SM Fashion, AXCS, and Fashion Forum.
Consul General Fortune Ledesma of Monaco wore a terno top and matching skirt, featuring intricate cutwork embroidery from Kultura; H.E. Constance See - Ambassador of Singapore, Silk cocoon embroidered top with inabel and piñasilk weaves overlaid on matching skirt from Kultura; and MME Indri P. Akyol - Spouse of Ambassador of Turkiye, wore the Kimona reinterpreted with matching overskirt in a graphic floral print from Kultura
Kicking off the style fest were foreign dignitaries in Kultura pieces. The ladies were visions of class and sophistication, wearing dresses with uniquely Filipino design elements. Spotted on the runway were terno pieces adorned with floral embroidery, while Filipiniana ensembles were made more striking with intricate lace skirts. The blazer-terno hybrid pieces merged the traditional with the contemporary through their sleek silhouettes and use of local textiles.
H.E. Michel Monique M. Parys - Ambassador of Belgium, Barong with handwoven kalinga weave in Belgian flag colors from Kultura; H.E. Christian Halas Lyster - Ambassador of Norway, Barong with geometric-patterned embroidery from Kultura; Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown of Holy See, Vatican, Black and white contrasting embroidery on Barong from Kultura; and H.E. Kazuya Endo - Ambassador of Japan, Modern embroidered barong with mandarin collar from Kultura
The gentlemen looked dashing in barong attire. In addition to classic barong styles, the male foreign dignitaries showcased modern interpretations of this traditional piece, featuring vibrant local tapestries and bold designs with bright colors and various geometric and callado motifs.
Glamor reigned supreme on the runway as female guests modeled elegant gowns from SM Fashion Forum. Adding sparkle to their gowns were exquisite accessories from AXCS’s “Karutora” collection.
MME. Maria Elena Urriste - Spouse of Ambassador of Argentina, Handpainted and beaded satin cape over matching terno gown from Kultura; Mme. Prof Dr. Denise Brühl Moser - Spouse of Ambassador of Switzerland, Elegant Gown by SM Fashion and Accessories from Karutora at AXCS; H.E. Dr. Titanilla Tóth - Ambassador of Hungary, Stunning blue gown from SM Fashion. Accessories by Karutora available at AXCS
It was captivating to see Philippine fashion apparel and accessories worn by foreign dignitaries. The event amply demonstrated the global reach of Philippine retail design. The foreign dignitaries enjoyed this brief departure from their “regular programming,” transforming into “United Nations of models.”
Tessa Prieto and Gracie Go; Mme Roswitha Brieger Amb Johann Brieger of Austria
In addition to the fashion show, there was also a silent auction of Filipino artwork to support marginalized communities in the country. SHOM and the SM Group have done much to promote grassroots welfare, and this collaboration is just the latest effort. What was unique about the event was how it brought together foreign ambassadors and their spouses, heads of international institutions accredited in the Philippines, and ranking diplomats with their families—all ready to walk the catwalk in support of various advocacies.
Ambassador of Japan Kazuya Endo, Kasue Salud, and Mme Akiko Endo of Japan
Over the years, SHOM has dedicated its efforts to vulnerable women, children, and persons with disabilities across the country. It was a natural fit for them to partner with the SM Group. With SM Retail and Kultura, not only was national cultural identity and homegrown fashion on display but there was also strong support for local artisan communities and MSMEs, which form an integral part of Kultura’s regular supply chain.
It was the beginning of another semester at SoFA Design Institute when Amina Aranaz-Alunan scheduled an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. Unlike past opening days, this one was particularly special as the staff welcomed students to their new home at The Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell, Makati City.
Amina Aranaz-Alunan
Compared to its former location on Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, the new space is larger, offering more room for students to interact and bring their visions to life. SoFA Design Institute was established in 2007, and in some ways, the school's building was inspired by Amina’s own journey. Growing up, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in fashion, but at the time, there were no fashion courses or degrees focused on designing clothes.
Together with Loralee Baron-Soong, Amina co-founded the school, which soon gained street credibility as the country's go-to institution for design and fashion.
“When I was in high school, I knew that fashion was my path, but there were no options,” Amina shared. “After attending Marangoni and experiencing what it’s like to live and study in a fashion capital, I felt that the Philippines needed something. It started with a dream that one day Manila would be a fashion capital. Part of that dream was legitimizing fashion education and professionals. Fashion can’t all be self-taught or viewed as just a hobby. That’s what led me to establish SoFA.”
Before becoming the co-founder and president of SoFA Design Institute, Amina was first an accessories designer. With her mother, Becky Aranaz, already in the bag manufacturing business, it was a natural step for Amina to pursue a professional career in fashion. After studying an interdisciplinary course at Ateneo de Manila and gaining formal education in fashion at Istituto Marangoni Milano, Amina set out to establish Aranáz in 1999. Together with her mother and sister Rosanna Aranaz, she aimed to elevate Filipino fashion and bring it to the international stage.
In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Amina reflects on her early days as an accessories designer, the challenges she faced as the leader of her brand, and SoFA’s role in shaping the future design leaders of the Philippines.
Aranáz's latest collection
What inspired you to become an accessories designer?
I would say that I was born into it. My mom had a bag business ever since I was born, and I was always interested in fashion from a very young age. I didn’t proclaim that I would be a fashion designer or an accessories designer, but I was definitely into fashion and the arts.
She had a bag factory and was also interested in fashion, so we were exposed to it early on. One of my activities as a child was playing dress-up with my mom's wardrobe. I remember she had a chest as tall as I was. Every drawer was filled with accessories from the ’80s—big, bold, chunky, and colorful. I would just have fun, opening the drawers and playing around.
What were the initial challenges you faced when you launched Aranáz?
We were blessed that the market embraced the brand. I grew up in a generation that patronized imported brands because there weren’t many local options. Introducing a Filipino brand was a challenge for us. At that time, wearing a handmade Filipino bag was something people typically associated with souvenir shops; it wasn’t viewed as a fashion item. I wanted to challenge that notion. We were pleasantly surprised that the market resonated with our vision. To this day, I would say everyone is proud to support a local brand.
Aranáz's pieces on display at Frensh department store Samaritaine
Was it hard to penetrate the international market?
When we officially started the brand from 1998 to 1999, the dream of making it an international brand was there. We began launching internationally in 2012, which felt like a long time because we didn’t know what to do. Unlike other local brands that made it abroad, we operated in the Philippines and didn’t have offices overseas. One of the main things that helped us was Manila Fame. It became our practice ground.
I was part of a group called Manila Wear, spearheaded by designer Josie Natori. She gathered designers who could eventually export their brands. I also undertook some initiatives on my own, but that practice allowed me to travel abroad for trade shows and connect with agents. Sometimes, I would travel with people from Manila Wear or a group of Filipino designers.
It took time to understand how to create wholesale prices, lookbooks, and line sheets—skills that weren’t taught in school, especially back then. Marangoni didn’t teach me these things because I took a design course. They, however, did teach me about branding, and I worked on Aranáz's branding while I was there.
When was the moment you felt you had finally made it?
It was when we started to seriously bring our brand internationally. My sister and I created a wish list of all the stores where we wanted to see our brand displayed. I can say that we have managed to cross off each store from that list. For us, that’s validation that the handmade Filipino bags we create are worthy of being on the same shelves as the international brands we once looked up to. To be among them is validation.
Our bags are our way of telling the Filipino story to the world. That’s why, if you buy our bags, you’ll see info cards stating, “a piece of Filipino culture in your hands.” One of the hashtags we frequently use is #WithLoveFromThePhilippines. It gives people a glimpse into the tropical Filipino lifestyle.
The newest addition to SoFA's campus
Let’s go back to SoFA. Can you tell us more about the new campus?
It was designed in collaboration with interior design students and faculty, with consultation from interior designers and SoFA board members Ivy and Cynthia Almario. The space is symbolic of the design process—a blank canvas.
When you enter the lobby, you’ll find the Think Tank. As you walk through, you’ll see curves that guide you through the design process, from the research and design lab to the collaboration space. The Collab Cove is one of the new features; it’s a multi-purpose room used for events, fashion shows, and exhibits. We also have a photo studio and workspace for students, along with a lounge for them to relax.
What have you learned from your students?
One of the unique aspects of our teaching at SoFA is our approach to the design process and inspiration. We encourage our students to incorporate their personal stories and perspectives into their designs. That should be the starting point—not something external or disconnected from their own experiences.
When I interact with students, it is on a personal level. Through their work, you can glimpse their innermost selves. The last class I taught was before the pandemic, and those sessions were, in some ways, therapeutic. There were emotions, even tears. They use design as a form of therapy and a tool for empowerment. Through them, I saw how design can be transformative; creative work is not mechanical or soulless. This might be biased, but it is a privilege to be a designer and to be exposed to other designers. It is a profession—a calling—that embodies one’s entire being.
Inside SoFA's new campus in Rockwell, Makati City
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I can do what I love. No matter how stressful or overwhelming it gets, I approach everything with love. With Aranáz and SoFA, I have always been guided by my heart. Some might see it as a flaw that I lean toward heart over mind, but I feel that what I do doesn’t feel like work because it is so true to who I am. Design is where I live and where I can always be found. I cannot imagine a life outside of design or what I am doing.
‘Mars Ravelo: The Early Works’ When: Ongoing until Nov. 13 Where: 29 Marasigan St., Lakeside Park Subd., San Pablo City, Laguna
“The Early Works” is an exhibit of Mars Ravelo’s illustrations from circa 1947 to 1949. It presents his works and various artifacts related to his creative writing before his big break in the 1950s, which paved the way for his iconic characters such as Darna, Roberta, Captain Barbell, and many more. The exhibit runs until November at the Komikero Komiks Museum and The Art Corridor Gallery.
Likhang Habi Market Fair When: Oct. 18 to 20 Where: Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City
With the theme “Earth to Loom: Celebrating Natural Dyes in Philippine Textiles,” this year’s Likhang Habi Market Fair aims to keep the conversation about sustainability going by focusing on natural dyes. To further educate people about the process and wonders of natural dyes, the fair will feature workshops led by Kat Palasi and Fashion Revolution Philippines.
'AMplify' When: Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Ayala Museum, Makati City
This Museums and Galleries Month, Ayala Museum is going all out with "AMplify," its first-ever whole-day arts and music festival, free to the public. In partnership with Cornerstone Entertainment, this special event is designed to bring together art and music in a celebration of Filipino creativity, featuring performances from some of the country’s top talents. Pre-registration is required!
Fifth Wall Fest’s ‘Edition V: The body is home’ When: Oct. 19 to 20 Where: 35 Broadway Ave. Cor. 9th St., New Manila, Quezon City
This year, Fifth Wall Fest returns with a twist on its initial ‘at-home’ format, by taking place at the historic residence of Narcisa ‘Doña Sisang’ V. Buencamino-de Leon, president of LVN Pictures, which helped define the first golden era of Philippine cinema. Titled “Edition V: The Body is Home,” the fest features films, performances, multimedia installations, and movement workshops that explore the idea of home as both a physical location and a state of being.
‘Pangarap/Panaginip’ When: Oct. 19 to 20, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Where: Gonzaga Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Tanghalang Ateneo, in its 46th season themed "Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas: The Ricky Season," proudly presents the “Pangarap/Panaginip” production. It features Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw, a play written by National Artist Rolando S. Tinio, adapted from A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Ticket prices start at P300.
Hometown Cafe pop-up @ Auro BGC When: Oct. 19 to 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Auro Chocolate Cafe, One Maridien, 27th St., BGC, Taguig City
Subic Bay’s Hometown Cafe and Auro Chocolate are teaming up for a weekend that’s all about pure indulgence. Catch baristas Nicole Jan and Sanccio as they set up an espresso and brew bar, serving select Hometown signature drinks using Auro chocolates. Retail coffee beans will also be available!
Finders Keepers Market When: Oct. 19 to 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Tayo Studio, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City
Finders Keepers is heading to Katipunan this weekend! Over 20 vintage and local clothing brands, jewelry, artists, ceramics, and more will be there. Keep yourself busy with its photo booth, live portraits, piercings and tattoo sessions, and its newly launched free digicam rental.
Amekaji Anniversary Event When: Oct. 19 to 20, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Xception, Makati City
To celebrate the first anniversary of the Amekaji Event, MÈP is holding a special event showcasing items that elevate Amekaji style to the next level, along with the latest trends from Japan and beyond. Through this event, people can learn about the background, history, and styling of Amekaji fashion. Entrance is free!
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