Davao City-based farming group wins silver at Cacao of Excellence Award

Saloy Organic Farmers Association was recognized as one of the best cacao producers in the world

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Feb 13, 2024 09:30 AM

  

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Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), a small group of cacao farmers based in Davao City, brought pride to the Philippines by winning the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Silver Award at the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Award. The ceremony happened in Amsterdam during CHOCOA 2024, an annual marketplace celebrating quality cacao and chocolate and sustainable farming.

Saloy Organic Farmers Association 

With its mission to empower a new generation of cacao producers, the Cacao of Excellence Award collected over 222 entries from 52 cocoa-originating countries. Out of the roster, it selected its top 50 producers, which were awarded gold, silver, and bronze awards in various regions—Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia and the Pacific, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. SOFA, the only representative from the Philippines, was one of the recipients of the silver award in Asia and the Pacific region.

Led by Judith Gabasa, SOFA has been one of the seven farming partners of award-winning homegrown brand Auro Chocolate. Their partnership started in 2015, and since 2021, the Davao City farming association has been part of the brand’s Chocolate Organic Conversion program. The program aims to “provide assistance to the community in their efforts to convert to organic farming practices.” 

Receiving the award on behalf of SOFA were Auro Chocolate’s co-founders and managing directors Kelly Go and Mark Ocampo. “It’s the second time for our farming partners to be awarded this prestigious award,” the brand posted on Instagram. “A new Philippine origin no less! Saloy!”

Also present at the event was Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, who praised SOFA and Auro Chocolate’s efforts in bringing Filipino cacao to the world stage. “We commend Auro and the Saloy Farmers’ passion and dedication in making the Filipino-made chocolate recognized around the globe,” he said. “Philippine chocolate has come of age and is now world-class.”

LOOK: Michelle Dee’s contemporary denim look is made of pre-loved jeans

 This is not the first time Michelle wore an upcycled denim piece by designer Kristine Ordinario

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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Apart from her charm and wit, Michelle Dee is loved by many pageant fans for her sense of style. Always putting Filipino design talents in the spotlight, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines can be spotted wearing the chicest terno or something more urban, a vision of modern Filipino style.

At a press conference during Thai beauty queen Anntonia Porsild's visit to the Philippines, Michelle was spotted wearing a contemporary look designed by Kristine Ordinario. The ensemble features denim belts turned into wide-leg pants and a tube top. Completing the look is a patched denim jacket. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Kristine shared that she used pre-loved jeans the Filipino beauty queen's look.

"My friend used to sell thrift clothes and I got some pre-loved denim jeans, which then I repurposed to create the denim jacket and belts ensemble," the designer said. "The jeans were cut into strips and made into individual belts before I assembled them for the tube top and pants... This look adheres to my design aesthetic which focuses mainly on structured silhouettes incorporated with hardware materials." 

This is not the first time Michelle wore a piece designed by Kristine. During her time competing at Miss Universe 2023, she donned one of her upcycled patched denim jackets in El Salvador.

When asked what makes Michelle a perfect muse for her brand, Kristine said, "Michelle Dee carries an air of sophistication and powerful energy much like my brand." 

This fashion designer spotlights the heritage of South Cotabato with his collection

Through his ‘The Hands of the Dreamweaver’ collection, Dante Mana weaves his love letter for his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive.

BY JOHN LEGASPI 

In the past years, we’ve seen the resurgence of Filipino textiles and fabrics in the local fashion scene. These handwoven materials aren’t just beautiful, they hold stories of the Philippines’ rich heritage and are testaments to Filipino indigenous tribes’ dedication to their work and sustainable practices. The return of these handwoven tapestries also helped put the spotlight on emerging fashion designers from different parts of the country. The latest addition to that list is Dante Mana, a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP).

For the graduation show, Dante chose to create a capsule collection titled “The Hands of the Dreamweaver,” celebrating the culture and heritage of South Cotabato’s T’boli tribe. The result was a vibrant fashion presentation—his love letter—that paid homage to his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive. Taking inspiration from the works of the indigenous group was a natural step for the young fashion designer.

“I was fortunate to be exposed to their captivating culture from an early age. My connection to the world of T’boli performing arts, fostered by my mother, allowed me to witness the profound beauty and artistic expression that are integral to our heritage,” Dante told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Additionally, the influence of my grandmother, a talented seamstress, revealed the enchanting process of transforming fabrics into remarkable creations.” 

To make his vision come to life, Dante worked with various female artisans from the community. Among them were Ye Dina, who has been beading for more than 30 years, and Ye Mina, a master t’nalak weaver. On the runway, he presented pieces that explored many silhouettes, all providing the perfect canvas for the unique patterns of the T’boli community's works. His muse wore massive headwraps with gold accessories and baskets to complete their looks. His collection was so spectacular that he took home the FIP’s Designer of the Year award.

“This collection is a heartfelt homage to my origins in South Cotabato, a place that played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for arts and fashion,” the designer said. “I poured my heart and soul into every design. It’s not just a job for me; it’s my passion. I’m devoted to making things that resonate with people, designs that will make them stop and think, ‘Wow, this is special.’”

Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach are regal queens in their stunning terno ensemble

The former Miss Universe winners join forces for a special cause.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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As a country dominated by passionate pageant fans, Filipinos love their beauty queens so much that they go all out to support them in everything they do. When these Filipino beauties come together, expect fans to go wild. Among the local beauty queens people have been wanting to see together are the country’s recent champions in the Miss Universe pageant, Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018). And just recently, their wish has been granted.

The two titleholders come together to celebrate a cause that is near to their hearts. In celebration of World AIDS Day, Catriona and Pia join forces for Love Yourself’s #WhatWorksForU. The initiative “empowers individual choices by knowing that what works for you is living a life that enables a safer society for all.” Its latest campaign was unveiled during the fourth edition of the Love Gala and Ripple Awards at The Podium Hall in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray at the fourth Love Gala and Ripple Awards (Photos from @lovegalaofficial/Instagram)

The gala called for the attendees to come in their best Filipinianas. With Catriona and Pia being the Philippines' representatives on the international stage, they are no strangers to rocking modern iterations of the country’s traditional garbs. Catriona was a vision in pink as she graced the event wearing a floral terno dress with a cape skirt by fashion designer Jearson Demavivas. While Pia Wurtzbach was a gilded goddess in her gold terno gown with a thigh-high slit by fashion designer Mark Bumgarner. 

The Love Gala and Ripple Awards are twin bi-yearly activities led by nonprofit organization Love Yourself Inc. With the theme “Heroes Emerge,” this year's gala and the awards “pay homage to the game-changers in HIV advocacy in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific.”

Future of fashion: This dress can change its patterns with just a click of a button

 Software company Adobe unveils its 'Project Primrose'

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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In the past years, we've seen the line between the tech and fashion industries blur. We saw how AI can influence a designer's creative process and how the digital space continues to create new landscapes for retail to explore. This time, their colliding worlds produce something wearable.

At Adobe Max 2023 in Los Angeles, software company Adobe unveiled its latest innovations, from photo and video editing to 3D designs. During its “Sneaks” segment, it presented its take on the future of fashion, which is a dress can change its patterns with just a click of a button.

Under the “Project Primrose,” the cocktail dress is made of sequin-like pieces that are reflective light-diffuser modules" which have tiny liquid crystals commonly used in smart window applications. 

“Project Primrose blurs the line between technology and fashion, demonstrating the potential for flexible textile displays—and turning clothes into creative canvases,” as per Adobe. “This interactive dress can offer infinite style possibilities, displaying content created with Adobe Firefly, After Effects, Stock,and Illustrator.”

Christine Dierk wearing her digital dress (Stills from Adobe/Youtube)

Leading the presentation was Adobe researcher Christine Dierk, who crafted the dress. As she modeled the digital dress, it shifted its color from cream to metallic silver with just a press of a button. The dress can also present different patterns like stripes and chevron, among others.

“Unlike traditional clothing, which is static, Primrose allows me to refresh my look in a moment,” Christine said during her presentation.

Apart form its changing looks, the dress is also animated. Its body sensors allowed the patterns to be in motion as Christine moved her body. 

“Fashion doesn’t have to be static, it can be dynamic and even interactive,” Christine said. “And we’re excited for a future where there’s more ways to express yourself.”

Andrea Brillantes looks stunning as she attends Versace’s spring-summer 2024 show

Here's what she is wearing

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Sep 25, 2023 01:06 AM

  

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As Milan Fashion Week continues to present its brands’ and designers’ vision for spring-summer 2024 dressing, fashion savants from all over the world turn the fashion capital’s streets into their very own runway. And that includes many Filipino stars.

One of the many Filipino celebrities present at the fashion fest is actress Andrea Brillantes. The 20-year-old actress graced Versace’s spring-summer 2024 show. For the event, she donned the brand’s leather bustier top and skirt, both adorned with Medusa ’95 hardware.

Versace’s spring-summer 2024 collection is a nod to late designer Gianni Versace’s 1995 collection. The latest line featured shift dresses, pieces in checkerboard print, tailored jackets, as well as accessories and footwear imbued with its Medusa emblem, all in sorbet colors. One of the major highlights of the runway presentation was the presence of the supermodel Claudia Schiffer. 

Check out more of Andrea’s ’fits in Milan below:

Photo from @blythe/Instagram

Still from @ibaydrake/Instagram

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IN PHOTOS: What the stars wore at VMAs 2023

From Olivia Rodrigo’s Swarovski crystal-embellished gown to Selena Gomez’s romantic scarlet dress, here are some of the best style moments seen on the #VMAs' pink carpet

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Sep 13, 2023 05:04 PM

  

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The brightest stars of the music industry got together to celebrate the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. But before Olivia Rodrigo performed on the stage and Taylor Swift took home nine “Moon man” trophies, all eyes were on its pink carpet as music artists presented their best garbs for the occasion. Below are some of our favorite looks.

Olivia Rodrigo (Photo by Jason Kemping/Getty Images via AFP)

Olivia Rodrigo

“Guts” singer Olivia Rodrigo donned a handmade gown featuring over 150,000 Swarovski crystals by Paris-based maison Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

Taylor Swift (Photo from @donatella_versace/Instagram)

Taylor Swift

The night's big winner, Taylor Swift, merged class and contemporary with her black Versace gown adorned with gold buttons presenting the brand's iconic Medusa emblem. 

Selena Gomez (Photo from @oscardelarents/Instagram)

Selena Gomez

Romantic was Selena Gomez in her custom hand-beaded scarlet halter gown with floral tendril skirt by Oscar de la Renta.

Shakira (Photo from @donatella_versace/Instagram)

Shakira 

Shakira was a true gilded beauty wearing a sultry metallic gown by Versace.

Nicki Minaj (Photo from @nickiminaj/Instagram)

Nicki Minaj

The bells rang for Nicki Minaj's pink bridal look for the VMAs courtesy of Dolce and Gabbana.

Tomorrow X Together (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty via AFP)

Tomorrow X Together

South Korean boy band Tomorrow X Together's members Yeonjun, HueningKai, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Soobin were extra dapper in their Dior ensembles. 

Cardi B (Photo from @iamcardib/Instagram)

Cardi B

Hundreds of hair clips were used by Dilara Findikoglu to create Cardi B's armor-like dress.

Megan Thee Stallion (Photo from @brandonblackwoodnyc/Instagram)

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion's look was all about the body, thanks to the black sheer garb designed by Brandon Blackwood.

Doja Cat (Photo from @monsemaison/Instagram)

Doja Cat

Always up for the bizarre and unusual style is Doja Cat. This time, she wowed everyone with her draped hand-knitted spider web gown by New York-based brand Monse.

Saweetie (Photo from @area/Instagram)

Saweetie

Saweetie wore a pink couture piece straight from New York-based maison Area's fall-winter 2023 collection.

Stray Kids (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty via AFP)

Stray Kids

Stray Kids' Changbin, I.N, Han, Felix, Lee Know, Seungmin, Hyunjin, and Bang Chan wore coordinating black-and-white looks as they graced the pink carpet of the VMAs.

These Filipino designers raised the country’s flag high at Vancouver Fashion Week fall-winter 2023

Jobert Cristobal and Chynna Mamawal presented their latest collections in Canada.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Apr 21, 2023 06:56 AM

  

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With their passion, talent, and discipline, Filipino designers are now infiltrating the international fashion scene. They always have their own unique touch in making the visions come to life, and seeing their works shine abroad is a testament that the designs of our local fashion creatives are truly world-class. The recent addition to the long list of Filipinos making their way to international fashion weeks this year are designers Jobert Cristobal and Chynna Mamawal.

 Chynna Mamawal (Photo from Chynna Mamawal)  and Jobert Cristobal (Photo by Getty from @jobert.cristobal)

Earlier this week, the two presented their latest collections on the runway of Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) fall-winter 2023. Since its establishment in 2001, the prestigious fashion fest has been on a mission to get designers global exposure. This time, the event featured over 40 shows dedicated to cultivating the success of both established and emerging designers in a highly multicultural approach.

Celebrating the Filipino style and culture—that’s what Jobert’s runway show was all about last April 13. Dubbed “Hari,” the collection was composed of pieces in homage to the classic terno and jeepney, which is described by many as the “King of Philippine Roads.” A myriad of colors and prints paraded the runway. The designer also played with different silhouettes, taking the terno form to a contemporary level. Leather cutouts and Ankara prints brought his spirited collection to life. The distinct butterfly sleeves were adorned with color-blocking details to mimic the hood and wheels of the local vehicle. While crocheted and beaded accessories and footwear completed his eccentric runway show.

“When we talk about Manila’s jeepneys, we talk about structure,” he wrote in a caption. “Our traditional jeepneys, though old and rusty, are very durable.”

Chynna, on the other hand, took everyone’s breath away with her whimsical formalwear line launched on April 15. Her collection was full of elegance, opulence, and luxury courtesy of her master tailoring skills, intricate beadwork, and heavenly hues. Ornately embellished dresses twinkled as they moved down the runway. Feathered pieces danced and fluttered serving angelic moments. Her menswear pieces, merging traditional and modern styles, were among the highlights of her show.

“I would like to showcase Filipino fashion and art in the global scene,” she said. “It’s proudly Filipino. We’re not just representing Chynna Mamawal as a designer and as a brand, we’re also representing the Philippines. Everyone on the team is a Filipino, everyone. We want to showcase every kind of Filipino talent.”

With these stunning collections capturing Filipino artistry and culture, we can expect that we will see more of Jobert and Chynna’s designs gracing other international runways.