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Showing posts with label Marinel Cruz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marinel Cruz. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Your serene escape now comes with childcare
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
KZ and TJ find harmony in contrast
KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde —TJ MONTERDE/FACEBOOK
Sound-wise, KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde couldn’t be more different. The former is fire; the latter, a soothing balm. And if it weren’t for the fact that they’re married, there would be no compelling reason for them to be in the same lineup of a music festival or gig.
For the longest time, that was how things were—two people pursuing their respective musical careers, yet largely on divergent paths. But to their surprise, the couple has recently found themselves getting booked more and more for the same events, thanks to the success of the duet version of Monterde’s career-defining hit “Palagi.” “I feel like people think we’re a love team!” Tandingan said, laughing.
Seriously, though, the turn of events has been an eye-opener. Sharing the stage, they’ve found, isn’t just artistically instructive—it also highlights how their contrasting styles and personalities make them a perfect match.
Of the two, Tandingan, the dynamite soul-R&B performer, is the more intense and meticulous, breaking her performances down to their smallest details.
“We’ve learned a lot from each other. As a performer, KZ hates settling for anything ‘pwede na’ (passable). She’s always ready. And I’m happy and grateful because I’m learning a lot from my wife,” Monterde told Lifestyle at a press conference introducing them as the newest endorsers of Dunkin’ Philippines, which is mounting an upcoming fan meeting dubbed “Never Bean Sweeter.”
“The downside of me being so detail-oriented is that, sometimes, I forget to enjoy the process … I overthink everything,” Tandingan said. “That’s why he tells me, ‘Let’s just enjoy ourselves. You’ve had enough practice. You know the material like the back of your hand. Let’s just try to be present. When there’s so much going on in my head, he balances everything out.”
“But if he’s too chill, I give him a nudge: ‘O, ‘di mo pa ’to kabisado!’” she added.
Like his breezy tunes and mellow love ballads, Monterde is more spontaneous and laid-back. In any case, they keep each other on their toes. “I’m confident onstage but I get nervous with KZ, because I know I have to do well. She’s the kind of artist you wouldn’t want to perform before you. She’s a tough act to follow,” Monterde said.
And if there’s anyone who can break into Tandingan’s swaggering exterior, it’s Monterde. “I’m known for being astig-astigan. But with him, I get shy—para akong lalagnatin,” she said, only half in jest. “It can be challenging. It takes you out of your comfort zone.”
Tandingan, the voice behind the hit “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” and the poignant cover of “Two Less Lonely People in the World,” has long been an in-demand act in the live music circuit. Monterde, meanwhile, is still riding high on the success of “Palagi” (the solo and duet versions of which have 305.9 million plays on Spotify), which paved the way for three sold-out concerts at the Araneta Coliseum last February.
Packed schedules
Needless to say, the couple have never been busier, their calendars packed with engagements both here and abroad. And while they couldn’t be more grateful for such blessings, they must admit, the situation can be quite tricky to navigate as a couple. Every so often, they’d find themselves going to the airport together, only to go on different flights and reunite weeks later.
“We’ve become more intentional with how we spend our time. If we let our schedules take over, we’d lose our time for each other,” Tandingan said.
That they choose to make time for each other amid all the hustle is enough—no expensive gifts or grand gestures needed. After all, they agreed, happiness lives in life’s quiet details. Sometimes, a cup of Vietnamese coffee is all it takes to perk up Tandingan after a hard day’s work.
“I also write her letters and cards, and I make sure they’re by her bedside before she gets home. That’s already a big deal for her,” said Monterde, who, on the other hand, appreciates it when his wife takes care of spontaneous trips or vacations.
“When he has a few days off and wants to travel, I have it covered. I will just show him the itinerary after I’m done. I’d have everything already booked—restaurants, activities,” Tandingan said.
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As such, they make sure to cherish every single collaboration and shared project that comes their way—like their fan meeting, which will be held on May 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (follow Dunkin’s social media pages for info).
Who knew that they would one day hold such an event? A big surprise, they said. While they make it a point to interact with their fans as much as possible, it’s their first time to actually do an event dedicated just to that.
For the fans
This is for the people, they said, who travel for hours to see their provincial shows, the people who don’t tire of watching the same sets over and over again, the people who dye their hair blue—or whatever color Tandingan chooses to dye hers; the people who get song lyrics tattooed on their skin, the people who take comfort in their music.
“After my second show at Araneta, a fan came up to me for a photo and told me that my song ‘Palagi’ just saved a 17-year marriage. On the third day, she showed up again—this time with another person … the ‘17 years’ she was talking about. It’s moments like this that convince me I’m doing the right thing in life,” Monterde said.
Tandingan, on the other hand, has had the privilege of growing up with her fans and seeing them realize their own dreams—the same way they follow and celebrate triumphs.
“I have a fan who has been there for me since she was a student. The next thing I knew, she had brought her graduation toga with her to an event. Now, she’s pursuing a doctorate,” she related. “There are a lot of heartwarming stories with fans. You just have to give them time.”
“The money, the time, the energy they devote to us are something we can’t match with any performance. All we can do is give our best,” she added.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Mother’s Day, ‘Lolli’-Pops style
Pops Fernandez —PHOTOS FROM @POPSFERNANDEZOFFICIAL/ NSTAGRAM
On Mother’s Day, Pops Fernandez is doing double duty, as a mom and a grandma. She recently flew to the United States to be with her eldest son, Robin, and snuggle up with the newest (and tiniest) member of the family: baby Phineas.
The baby boy, lovingly nicknamed Finn, is Robin’s child with partner Mian Acoba. Fernandez and her ex-husband, Martin Nievera, also share another son, Ram, who is likewise based in the States.
“I’m excited for this Mother’s Day because I’ll be with my boys and my grandchild,” Fernandez told Lifestyle in a recent interview. “Although, of course, I’m sad I won’t be with my mom. But I think we already had lots of bonding moments while I was still in Manila.”
She was referring to her mother, former actress Dulce Lukban. “I’m expecting this Mother’s Day to be very special—it’s my first with Finn.”
Fernandez flew out on May 1. “Every Mother’s Day is special to me,” she added, “especially now that I hardly get to spend time with my boys. They’ve grown-up and are off living their own lives.”
Asked how she’d like to be remembered as a mom, especially this Mother’s Day, Fernandez said: “As a loving mom. I was always busy while they were growing up, but I tried to do everything for them. This isn’t to pressure them or anything—everything I do is still for them, even now.”
Even with her sons all grown-up, Fernandez admits the nurturing never stops.
“When they were little, I was the one making an effort on Mother’s Day—they didn’t really understand what it was yet,” she said. “Now, it makes me so happy that they’re the ones who make the effort. Even just a greeting is enough to make me cry. But sometimes, they’ll surprise me with flowers even though they’re far away. That means so much.”
She admitted to dealing with the dreaded “empty nest” stage at the moment. “I’m still adjusting to it,” she pointed out. “I’m happy they’re independent and living their own lives, but as a mom, of course I still want them with me all the time.”
Before flying out, Fernandez wrapped up taping for the third season of TV5’s “Masked Singer Pilipinas,” where she’s a panelist alongside Arthur Nery, Janno Gibbs, and Nadine Lustre. The show, hosted by Billy Crawford, premieres on May 17.
Surprise friendship
One of her biggest takeaways from the show, Fernandez said, is a surprise friendship with Lustre. “I didn’t have expectations going in. I even said one day that it might take us a while to warm up to each other—but I was wrong. Nadine’s very down-to-earth and nice,” she said. “We shared a dressing room and talked a lot, mostly about what she’s been up to. She loves Siargao. I kept asking her about it, since I’ve never been.”
Turns out, Lustre is not just cool, but also super generous—with her vegan baon. “She brings her own food and always encourages us to try it. One time, she brought vegan sisig and explained what was in it. She’s so game. One day, I brought food to the set and felt bad she couldn’t eat any, but she still shared her food with everyone.”
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The vibe on set was so good, Fernandez said it barely felt like work. “We have super early call times, but I honestly look forward to them. It’s a happy, no-stress set. Even Janno—who’s famously late—was on time. That’s how you know the energy is right.”
And yes, Lustre’s love life did come up during this interview. Did she give Fernandez any dating advice? “Not really, but I did tell her, ‘Next time, invite me when you and your boyfriend hang out with his afam friends. Baka may makilala ako.’ She just laughed. I’m not sure if she took me seriously—but I am serious, Nadine!”
So, is she open to dating again? Well, let’s just say if Lustre sends an invite, our glam grandma might just say “yes.”
As for “Masked Singer” Season 4, Fernandez is definitely game. “If the same team returns, I’d love to do it again. It usually takes time to get to know everyone on a new show, but for us, it clicked right away. Just when we were all getting close, the season ended. It flew by. That’s how you know it was a happy set.”
And on this Mother’s Day, Fernandez—who would rather be called “Lolli” than lola—is exactly where she wants to be, surrounded by love, laughter, and her growing family.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Sari Lazaro finds creative freedom in RTW line
CONTRIBUTED
Designer Sari Lazaro has dressed elegant brides, wowed fashionistas in Paris and Doha, and built a loyal following through her bespoke creations. But if you ask her who she’s always dreamed of dressing, she won’t hesitate to say: Heart Evangelista and Kathryn Bernardo.
“Obviously, Heart,” Lazaro told Lifestyle, laughing. “She knows how to dress well, and she wears local—that’s actually where she started. And Kathryn—she carries herself so well. She’s very sexy.”
Now, Lazaro is taking a bold step toward that dream. After years in the made-to-order space, she is finally launching her first official ready-to-wear (RTW) collection, making her designs more accessible to stylish women everywhere. The pieces are on display at her monthlong pop-up at PowerPlant Mall in Makati City, running until April 29.
While her roots lie in creating custom gowns and collaborating closely with clients, RTW has given Lazaro something she hasn’t felt in a while: creative freedom.
That freedom shows in her new summer collection, which is all about breezy linens, hand-embroidered florals, and a splash of bold, happy color. It’s also light, earthy, and distinctly her—offering a peek into who she is, both as a designer and a woman.
“This is my second pop-up at PowerPlant, but the first one where I’m officially launching my RTW line,” she said. Lazaro has joined pop-up events like ArteFino and Katutubo in the past, but this time, the move feels more intentional.
“I’m doing this to really introduce myself to a wider market. I don’t have a permanent store yet—but that’s the dream. Hopefully, next year,” she declared.
The RTW line is available in sizes XS to L, with many pieces produced in limited quantities—including a floral top that takes 20 different fabric pieces to assemble. Some designs are also available for preorder.
“It’s still very much me,” she said. “It’s RTW, but it’s still Sari.”
Full control
Asked how different the RTW process is from her bespoke work, Lazaro said: “I used to do made-to-order, right? That was always a collaboration between me and the client. But with this, I had full control—fabric, embroidery, the whole design direction. I’m really enjoying it.”
She then described her process. “I start with a theme, then buy the fabrics. I sketch the designs, and my team and I work together to execute the vision. We make samples, refine them, and then go into production. It usually takes us around three months to finish.”
RTW has also allowed Lazaro to reconnect with her first love: indigenous textiles. “I wanted to include some local weaves. That’s actually how I started—my first collection used woven fabrics,” she said. “It’s just that they take so much time. For one yard of fabric, it can take four days to make. So we can’t release a lot. But I want to include more in future collections.”
Some of her new pieces incorporate textiles like inabel and ikat—traditional Filipino weaves known for their rich patterns and cultural heritage.
“We have so many beautiful patterns and skilled artisans,” Lazaro said. “I want to explore more of that. I want to preserve our culture through design.”
Of course, transitioning to RTW hasn’t been without its challenges. The biggest one is finding highly skilled sewers, said Lazaro. “They’re very limited. Some can only do basic pieces, and once you elevate it, it gets harder,” she explained. “But I work closely with my pattern maker. She understands my vision and can execute quickly. She can even make a sample the next day.”
Operations is another hurdle. “Running production, timelines, and just the logistics—it’s a lot. But I’m learning,” she added.
So, who does Lazaro design for? “A woman who’s confident and curious. Someone who’s still figuring herself out but isn’t afraid to try new things,” she said—kind of like Heart and Kathryn.
It’s also a little like Lazaro herself: subtle, introspective, and unafraid to carve her own creative path. “I want the women who wear my clothes to feel content, proud, and happy to be themselves. When you feel good, you’re a better person,” she said.
Lazaro’s vision is far from small. A Dubai pop-up is already in the works for later this year, and an e-commerce platform is on the horizon. “Eventually, I want people—especially Filipinos—to be able to shop my pieces online,” she said. “We don’t make a lot yet, but we’re getting there.”
Her ultimate goal is to champion Filipino talent, she said. Not just through her designs, but through the local weaves and artisans she works with.
“We have so many beautiful patterns and skilled people,” she emphasized. “I really want to explore more of that.”
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