Stitch In The City: Back To Basics

After the LOOOOOONGEST wait, we’re finally releasing Stitch In The City’s fourth batch tomorrow at 6 PM. Called “Back To Basics” because this batch is composed mostly of sleeveless collared tops and shorts, which are fundamentals in every wardrobe (we’d like to think haha). We also have tops with embellished collars, something we’ve always wanted to produce. Luckily (and coincidentally, I must say), Manang Arvee of Stitch In The City actually started out as a bead worker, so our dream of selling tops with embellished collars will finally be fulfilled tomorrow.

We’re also calling this batch “Back To Basics” because this is the first time we didn’t have a proper shoot. Because of time constraints (this batch is FOUR months late!), we couldn’t afford to lose more time by looking for a photographer, model, and HMUA, although I personally wish we had more time to do just that. Shoots have always been so much fun, plus it’s great to work with such creative people. But anyway, armed with a basic camera and basic camera-operating skills, I just took photos of the clothes, worn by sister & SITC partner Tina, set against our house’s overexposed vine wall.

Again, we’ll be uploading “Back To Basics” on our Facebook page tomorrow at 6 PM.

ALPHABETIX: The Science of Alphabets

In the spirit of self-expression, which is what FISH18 has been and will always be about, the lifestyle brand launches its latest ALPHAbetix line.

The ALPHAbetix line features graphic T-shirts that come in 26 clever and original designs, each bearing a skillfully stylized letter of the alphabet, showing off to full advantage FISH18's passion and artistry for graphic design. They don't call themselves "FISH18: Fashion.Graphics.Culture" for nothing.

Through their new ALPHAbetix line, FISH18 makes good on its promise to constantly deliver novelty pieces that will set it and its discriminating followers apart from the run of the mill products the retail market has to offer.

 

Pick a letter that means something or pick one because you think it looks cool. With its ALPHAbetix line, FISH18 asks, "What's your letter?" but "What it stands for?" is entirely for you to answer or not. After all, the ALPHAbetix line, as with everything FISH18 does, is about self-expression, not drawn-out explanations.

FISH18 outlets: The Block, SM Northwing, and at Loadle in Ayala Center Cebu

Thanks to Cybill and Kaye of A-List for my very own ALPHAbetix T-shirt that I cannot wait to wear!

ABSTRAQ: The Blanc Magazine Online Official Launch

"We all wanted to be on the cover of a magazine... why not make one instead?" said Josei Ouano Cuizon, BLANC's editor-in-chief, at the launch of Cebu's first ever online magazine last Thursday at the One Mango parking lot.

Can I just say how proud I am of the Inca printed cardigan I'm wearing, which I got on sale from Cotton On at 20 HK dollars? That's about 120 pesos in Philippine money. Photo by Philip of The Fourth Kid.

Finally got to wear my new shoes from Flying Dutchman, as well. Photo by Philip of The Fourth Kid.

Shared a table with my sister and Gillian of By Details (I took a photo of your ribbed top, Yan, while you were busy testing your camera's settings haha) as we watched the fashion show featuring 17 of Cebu's most promising young designers - from clothes to shoes to accessories.

Queen of Cebu 2011 Bee Urgello unveiling BLANC's first ever cover

The colorful and VERY talented team behind BLANC

The launch was a success, and I've actually just browsed through their first issue, and I am incredibly impressed! I'm sure we'll be seeing a whole lot more of BLANC in the future. Congratulations again, guys!

To view BLANC's first issue, click HERE. Don't forget to like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.

Hong Kong 2011 Photo Diary

When one of your best friend's mom calls you asking if you want to go to Hong Kong with them the following week, of course you say YES (capitalized, bold and in italics). "Yes," was just what I said, even though I hadn't asked permission yet... and even though my new passport was still with the DFA, waiting to be claimed, used, and filled with stamps.

Luckily, the vacation leave I asked for was approved, and I spent 4 days in Hong Kong with Sam and her family - Tita Sandra, Tito Ben, Liam, Gino, & Dale, Gino's friend Witty, Manang and Celia. I am incredibly thankful that they took me along with them, at least I was able to travel to another country before this year ends! This Hong Kong trip was also one of many firsts - my first time to cross the waters and go to Macau (no pictures, unfortunately, since we left our cameras in HK), my first time in a casino (yes, believe it or not), and my first foie gras (as a culinary arts student, I had always been intrigued at how our chefs speak so highly of it).

Christmas Realizations Of An On The Job Trainee

I was supposed to cook for the family Christmas dinner, and the plan was already set – I had the 8 am – 4 pm shift on the 24^th, was going to go home straight away, and prepare this chicken dish my grandmother specifically wanted. I say I was SUPPOSED TO because on the evening on the 23^rd, one of the hotel’s cooks accidentally spilled boiling oil all over herself. My classmate called me to let me know that I was to be pulled out from the pastry kitchen, where I had been staying comfortably for the last month, and put in the show kitchen. Since it was Christmas Eve and all, there was a special buffet and I was to be assigned to the ham carving station… on the 3pm – 11pm shift.

My heart sank. Really Low. Down to my feet. How could I not spend Christmas Eve with my family? I had never done that before. We always had 2 different dinners at our grandparents’ houses. We always went to church after dinner together. But thinking that if I wanted to work in this field, I would have to get used to working not only on Christmas, but also on other holidays and special occasions (i.e. a family member’s birthday, a good friend’s despedida).

So yes, I went to duty at 3 in the afternoon, while wishing that time would fly faster. There were some familiar faces that had dinner at the hotel (with their families, to my complete jealousy, I admit), and they were surprised that I had to work at that time. “Grabeha gud,” one said to me. Yes, grabe bitaw, but someone’s got to do the work, yes?

If it’s any consolation, it was nice to know that at least there are people who I can say do appreciate those who have to work during the times that most take their days off. I received my first ever tip from a grateful mother for bringing soup to their table. One guest even used a function room to give every single employee a cake & a pair of panties. Yes, panties. I gave my cake to a cook who was on the midnight shift, seeing that she probably deserved it more than I did, and I gave the underwear to another practicumer, seeing that I had no need for it (but mostly because she asked for it).

But anyway, I guess what I’m really trying to say is that I’ve found a whole new level of respect for those who cannot spend Christmas with their families (a special shout out to my brother, who just spent his first Christmas in New Zealand hahaha). To all the cooks, servers, security guards, nurses, stewards, and everyone else who missed out/is missing out on the festivities, your sacrifices keep not only the industries you’re in, but also the whole world, moving.

Merry Christmas!

Zee's Crystal Ball

I was supposed to make this entry days ago, but I just got back from Hong Kong (where I stupidly didn't bring my laptop). Anyway, my sister and I were invited to Zee Lifestyle's Crystal Ball, their 15th year celebration, at the Radisson Blu last Thursday. I forgot to charge my camera (again, stupidly), which is why I wasn't able to get photos of the other designers' collections, but that night showed just how talented Cebu fashion designers are.

Thank God for designer friends, the two of use were able to borrow things to wear at the very last minute - Gillian of By Details (who I stole this picture from - hi Yan!) in Rei Escario, my sister Kristina in Ronald Enrico, me in a Roni Yu blazer, our new friend Chloe, and Mikey of Zee.

Darleen Hopkirk in Protacio & Roni Yu in his own design

Tina, Bom, Pauline, Dottie and Tessa - (the two on the left and right in amaaaazing Ronald Enrico gowns, while the red stretch lace dress is Oj Hofer's beautiful creation)

The Black Series

Kryz for SM Accessories

Ria Bolivar in Arcy Gayatin

Anthony Romoff

Oj Hofer

Cary Santiago

Supermodel of The World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay

Philipp Tampus

Grace Tagle in Philip Rodriguez

Thanks to Mikey for the invites, and congratulations to Zee on their 15th anniversary!