2011 Playlist: My 2011 in Songs

Year 2011 is coming to an end, sooner than we all expected. And before we bid adieu to the year that has been and welcome 2012 (I always get chills whenever I read/write/think of this number) with a bang, I would like to share with you the songs that make up the soundtrack of my 2011. Songs (both old and new) which capture all the experiences, emotions, thoughts and moments I had in this entire year. Some were good, some were bad, but all definitely shaped me and made me a better person.

The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved

For a lot of moments this year, I felt like I am the man who can't be moved, (or the man who can't move on). That no matter what I do, and no matter how hard people I love push me away, I still go back to that "corner" in my heart and mind where I am most happy and strong---that certain corner where the people I love will forever be.

Beyonce - Love on Top

This Beyonce song just can't help but make me feel happy. It also makes me feel so in-love even though I really am not in-love with someone. This is one of my songs with my favorite Ate, the woman I trust the most and the one whom I can be at my most honest, most fragile and most vulnerable---Ate Caress Caballero. Booty, I miss you so much! Will see you soon! :)

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

"I am beautiful in my way coz God makes no mistakes. I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way". Enough said.

\

India Arie - The Heart of the Matter

This is my song for that certain person that I truly love and admire, and despite the rollercoaster ride we both had with each other, (losing that respect and trust, and regaining them back), I still feel the same for him. He is still the best friend that I have and will always be. I still love him and respect him and will always be here for him no matter what happens.

Frou Frou - Let Go

And there are the people and things I had to let go of, not because I want to but because I need to---to make room for new and better people and things in my life.

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

This is my ultimate song for this year. Not because I am a Nicki Minaj fan, nor I love rap songs, but this is one hella fun song that makes me happy every time I hear it. This is the first rap song I have ever memorized. Haha! And ask my friends, whenever they hear this song, I am always the first person they come to remember, promise! 

Pink - Raise Your Glass

This song never fails to boost my confidence and spirit whenever I feel sad or down or just plain blah. Besides, this is my ultimate road trip song. I can still imagine that car ride on the way home with my two best guy buds Markki and Mac.

The Killer - Smile Like You Mean It

:)

Adele - Someone Like You

Just because I freakin love Adele, and just because her songs are just so spot on for all drama queens like me. This song is the ultimate tearjerker and heartbreaker for me. The pain, the hurt, the love.... all that. Ugh!

So there, the songs of my year. What's yours?

By the way, I will be flying to somewhere later early morning and I am not sure if I will be able to post till I come back. Anyway, I would like to greet you guys a Happy Happy Christmas and a Bountiful New Year!

xoxoRJ

ASIA MAJOR

The imminent rise of Asian fashion models in the international scene is definitely something to celebrate about. It's been a long-time coming for Asian models to be recognized in the fashion world, and I say it is about damn time that we Asians take center stage.

As I would like to see it, the rise of Asian models in the fashion world is a testament that fashion recognizes diversity and choice. It is a testament that fashion recognizes and values the Asian market, specifically China, Japan and Korea, which continues to grow and steadily rise above many any other western economy.

It is only until recently when Asians land on big chip fashion jobs. Before, Asians were only used in ad campaigns, fashion magazines and fashion shows (one or two out of forty models for one show) as token diversity chips. It was only Anna Bayle (the First Asian Supermodel, a Filipina, 1980's) who was able to really penetrate the fashion big names (YSL, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, etc.), and no one hardly came close in the next 30 years.

It am very happy to notice that lately, Asian models were given the spotlight. Just about time that the world appreciate the diverse beauty of Asians, and know that they, too, have what it takes to sell fashion.

I would like to share with you photos of my favorite Asian models at the moment.

The Chinese Superstars.

From L-R top: Ming Xi, Fei Fei Sun, Emma Pei, Du Juan, Liu Wen, Wang Xiao, Shu Pei, Bonnie Chen and Sui He. 

Chinese models are H-U-G-E lately. Liu Wen is definitely the Next Asian Superstar. Having been the first Asian to land a big chip beauty contract (she is the new beauty ambassador of make-up powerhouse Estee Lauder, joining the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Elizabeth Hurley). She was also the first Asian to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. Aside from that, she constantly graces the covers and pages of different fashion magazines around the world, and also has done major campaigns for fashion big names. On the other hand, Fei Fei Sun has also booked numerous shows for big names in fashion and also landed campaigns for DSquared, H&M and Louis Vuitton. Sui He became the first Asian model to be the face of Ralph Lauren, while Ming Xi graces pages of i-D, V Magazine and Vogue Italia, China, Korea and Japan.

The Korean Dolls.

From L-R top: Hyoni Kang, Hye Park, So Young Kang and Hyun Yi Lee.

Hyoni Kang was the first ever Asian to win the highly coveted Ford Supermodel of the World contest.


The Filipina Beauties.

From L-R: Danica Magpantay, Charlene Almarvez and Charo Ronquillo.

Danica Magpantay was the first Filipina and second Asian to win the Ford Supermodel of the World contest. Charlene placed 1st runner-up the year prior to Danica's win. While Charo placed 3rd runner-up in 2005. All of them constantly grace the pages of international magazines and fashion runways.

The Indian Women.

Lakshmi Menon and Alyssah Ali.

Lakshmi constantly graces the pages of high-end fashion magazines and has landed on several ad campaigns for fashion big names. Alyssah Ali on the other hand is the new face for Chanel Beauty Line, and one of Karl Lagerfeld's muse for the Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.

The Japanese Flare.

Tao Okamoto

Tao Okamoto is at the top of her game. Being the top Japanese female supermodel in the industry, she has graced all of high fashion magazines and shows all over the world. She has also starred in various ad campaigns for different big fashion names such as D&G, Kenzo, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Uniqlo and a lot more.

********

2011 has been a great year for Asian models. It might be premature to hope that 2012 will even be more hotter for these Asian superstars, but the rise of Asians in the fashion world is highly welcome for me.

HOW TO HELP THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF TYPHOON SENDONG

It really breaks my heart when tragedies and disasters like Typhoon Sendong hit the country, more especially now that Christmas is fast approaching. I can only imagine the grief of the people during their great loss.

image via ph.news.yahoo.com

Aside from sending them prayers of hope and strength, I encourage everyone to join me in extending any help that we can to all the victims and survivors of the devastating typhoon and flash floods in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and nearby areas.


Here are ways in which you can help. You may donate in-kind and cash donations to any of the following:


Philippine National Red Cross 

• http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow
• Text RED<space>AMOUNT send to 2899(Globe) or 4143(Smart)

Unicef Philippines

• https://donate.unicef.ph/emergency-donation.php
• Deposit to their Metrobank Account: For local wire transfer: UNICEF C/A No. 066-7-06631209-3 For international wire transfer : UNICEF C/A No. 066-7-00141392-5 Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

GMA Kapuso Foundation

• 2/F Kapuso Center GMA 7, EDSA Diliman, Quezon City. 
• METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY (METROBANK)
  Peso Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. 
     Account Number:3-098-51034-7
  Dollar Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. 
     Account Number:2-098-00244-2
     Code:MBTC PH MM
• UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)
  Peso Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Number:115-184777-2
                              :160-111277-7
  Dollar Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Number:01-115-301177-9
                              :01-160-300427-6
     Code:UCPB PH MM
• BANCO DE ORO (BDO)
  Peso Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Number:469-0022189
  Dollar Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Number:469-0072135
     Code: BNORPHMM
• PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB)
  Peso Savings
     Account Name :GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Numbe:121-003200017
  Dollar Savings
     Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
     Account Number:121-003200025
     Code:PNB MPH MM
• http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya

• ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St., Diliman, Quezon City
• BDO Peso Account
  Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
  Account Number: 39301-14199
  Swift Code: BNORPHMM
• PNB Peso Account
  Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
  Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
  Swift Code: PNBMPHMM
• BPI Peso Account
  Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
  Account Number: 3051-1127-75 (West Triangle, Quezon City)
  Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
• http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.html

TV5 News5 Aksyon Center

• San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. Please call 938-6393
• BDO Peso Account
  Account name: TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc.
  Account No. 005310-410164
• BPI Peso Account
  Account name: TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc.
  Account No. 1443-05333-2

7-Eleven Stores Nationwide

LBC Branches Worldwide

Caritas Manila (Call 563-9311 or 564-0205)

*If you guys know of other ways on how to make donations/send help, kindly put on the coments section and I will add them up in the list. Thanks!

On situations like this, we surely hold on to the Lord for strength and enlightenment. And we also hold on to one another, Filipino to Filipino, doing what we do best---opening our hearts for those who are in need, bringing the best during our worst. 

I LOVE MARC

Just sharing with you two items I love from Marc by Marc Jacobs' neon line. I'm not really a huge fan of neon stuff, but I wouldn't mind owning these two cute stuff. :)

I love you Marc! :)

BAG LOVE: Reed Krakoff Mini Shoulder Bag

Reed Krakoff is one of the few talented bag designers, who may not be so known to everyone (especially here in the Philippines), but definitely delivers in terms of aesthetic and functionality of bags.

I have been a big fan of mini shoulder bags of late, and this one by Krakoff is not an exception. I just love how simple yet functional it looks. I love the fact that it is so easy on the eyes and easy to carry. I could definitely see myself carrying at the mall, barkada movie night out, or to a client meeting. 


Check out these other color and skins that I love. (The python looks so fiercely fabulous!)

The price of the plain leather versions is $525, which is rather well-priced. In the plain leather version the colors being offered for Spring 2011 include red, bright blue, black, and a neutral/gray combination. There is an additional option made of Tejus lizard skin which retails for $1490. The inside lining is leather and the hardware is black nickel or rhodium, both are an unexpected nice touch. More info to purchase via Reed Krakoff online.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Ad Campaign

Who would ever forget that spectacular Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 show at Paris? Three words: Carousel. Fashion. Magic.

And now they have just released their ad campaign for the coming season, and the magic was once again translated on print.

Starring models Daria Strokous and Kati Nescher, shot by Steven Meisel. The over-all appeal just appeals to me: ever sweet, pastel and intricate.

As I have said before, IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT GIRLS DRESS UP AS GIRLS ONCE AGAIN. :)

*images via fashionista.com

ANTM All Stars Hullabaloo

Seriously, Tyra, what were you thinking? 

I officially announce that ANTM All Star is ANTM's FINAL CYCLE. Do you seriously think people will still watch the next cycles after this cycle's effin' finale?

While everyone here in the Philippines needs to suffer the agony of waiting few more days (f*ck timezone difference) to watch the cycle finale, the results has been the main topic over twitter and tumblr.

Out of the three finalists, Angelea was said to have originally won the the cycle in the finale episode which was shot in Greece. However, CW and ANTM Productions learned that Angelea posted in her facebook page who the top 3 finalists are and that she won the cycle prior to the episodes being shown, so she was disqualified. Then they have to re-shoot the finale episode, where only Lisa and Allison were invited, not showing Angelea anymore. 

Lisa was announced as the winner of the cycle. And there goes the itty bitty credibility of ANTM and Tyra.

Now I am not going to hate on Lisa because she actually did good all through out the cycle and she was actually my second pick to win. She is a talented model, and such a brave person, thinking about all the things she have gone through (being sexually abused, having been an alcoholic) and was able to pick herself up and better herself and win, that alone deserves respect. But what pisses me off is that Allison was AGAIN robbed with the title. 

Allison was the clear winner for me. She did lived her brand the entire cycle, took amazingly beautiful pictures, did great on challenges and stick to her real true self. Now if Tyra had some issues with her being introvert and not the out, loud and proud diva which the other two girls are, then she should open her eyes and look around her. NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE BIG AND LOUD TO BE GREAT. 

Anyway, thinking about everything, we can all see that the future is very bright for our dear blood-loving creepy-chan. She is a model, and artist, a photographer and a writer. She doesn't need ANTM to "make" her. 

Now excuse ma y'all but I really do think that Lisa, though she won, still looks 40 years old to me, and Angelea needs to learn how to shut the f*ck up big time. The only good thing I see in the finale and on the entire season were the amazing and beyond beautiful couture creations of Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco. I'm done. Ciao!

MY GROWN UP CHRISTMAS WISH

Christmas spirit is so high! You can feel it everywhere! It's the time of the year when overspending and over-shopping is highly acceptable and it is the time of the when only the dead are not happy (save me those broken hearted x'mas issues, please.) :p

Anyway, let me share to you my Christmas wishlist this year, I do this every year for the sole purpose of letting people know what to gift me this holidays, just in case. (KIDDING!) But seriously, kinda sort of that effect, LOL

But honestly, I do this to know how much I change every year. how much I get more mature in terms of materialistic point of view, how much I have matured in terms of taste level, and how richer/poorer I get as time flies. LOL

It is fun doing your wish list. Besides, it is the time of the year when being self-centered and wishful of material things is OKAY. I actually wish that everyone makes their x'mas wish list and let everyone know so that they can save you from the pain and misery of thinking which gifts they exactly want and will be very happy to receive for x'mas.

Anyway, here is my (not so ambitious) list, and if so some few good souls are gonna read it, feel free to send them to me at home, I will be more than happy to receive---as they say, it is better to give, than to receive. I know you guys are better than me. *wink* *evil grin*

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1. CARINE ROITFELD's book IRREVERENT

2. Futurum 2020 polaroid Eyewear

3. patent Gold DR. MARTENS boots

4. Red Leather File Bag (this one is from Zara)

5. Nitty Gritty x Trickers Brogue Boots

6. Pokitt Card Case

7. MIU MIU Patent Leather Wallet with Silver Hardware

8. Oversized Golden Lion Ring by Frank Paris

9. BLOCH Studded Leather Brogues

10. MULBERRY "Manlexa" Postman's Lock Bag

-----------------

So there. Noticed one thing?

If you are not close to me and do not know me that much, of course you won't. :p

Geez, I am definitely becoming older. My taste seems to be evolving a lot, too much that it borders to that of a struggling geriatric fashion blogger. LOL

But definitely, I have embraced MINIMALISM this year, evidently on my bag choices of late. UGH!

Few more days before Christmas! Few more days to go shopping.

HAVE FUN!

Film Review: VALENTINO The Last Emperor

"I know what women want...they want to be beautiful." - Valentino Garavani


Being in a phase of gathering as much inspiration as I can while making a new collection which I plan to release early next year, I resorted to watching films and documentaries about fashion.


First on my list, which I watched the other night was VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR.

The film is a documentary of Valentino Garavani, the iconic and master Italian couturier. It showed his life and time as one of history's most notable and respected fashion visionary. It accounts his works throughout his 45 years as a fashion designer, and shows the scenes on what happens behind the designing and creation of Valentino's collection.


Apart from the visual spectacle of witnessing all that Valentino fashion, the most interesting part for me about the film is the kind of relationship that Valentino has with his long-time lover and business partner Giancarlo GIammetti. It melts my heart knowing the kind of "love' and support Giancarlo has given and continuously gives Valentino. Their story is what inspires me the most.

For 50 years, Giancarlo has always been there for Valentino. Valentino being the head creative of the company, and Giancarlo doing the business side. Most fashion designers do not realize that fashion is more that just making beautiful clothes. Above anything else, fashion is a business. If not taken care of, it will die sooner than you know it. Every designer, no matter how good you really are, needs a business/marketing support: someone who makes sure that the beautiful clothes are going somewhere, the business is going on the right direction, and that after one collection, there will be a next one. Giancarlo has always been that for Valentino, and he did it wonderfully.


I guess it was the highlight of the film. It inspired me in a way, that I may not have a Giancarlo in my life at the moment, I may have not met him yet, but I have to make sure that I play the part as well.


After watching the film, I felt more rejuvinated as a designer. I felt more inspired and fueled. I do hope that one day, apart from meeting the Giancarlo of my life, I also wish to have the opportunity to grow as a designer, and be doing beautiful clothes until I become a bitching geriatric. (lol)

Did I mention, that I cried during the end of the film? you guys have to watch to find out why. If you are someone who lives and breathes for fashion, you will surely understand why.

RJ Goes to PMPC Star Awards for TV

Last night, I was privileged enough to have been invited by (PMPC Star Awards Best Lifestyle Show) Us Girls to guest on their fashion segment for Star Awards, where I was able to play as a Fashion Police.

H&M top, Topman pants, Zara shoes and Gucci bag.

Together with my new found friends Cheena Ng Lio (Fashion Designer), and the super fab, sexy and gorgeous UG host Denise Laurel, we chatted up about the fashion (clothes, make-up, hair) of the celebrities who attended the night's event. It was so much fun, going through and discussing about our best and worst dressed stars.

Here are some snapshots from last night's taping at Resorts World.

With Cheena and Denise. Smile! :)

Denise wearing a gorgeous black Rajo Laurel Gown, and Nicole Weisenhunt Jewelry. Definitely one of my best dressed stars last night. FAB!!!

Thank you to my friend Bryan Angeles, for inviting me (again) to guest on the show, and to Us Girls for the fun experience. Congratulations on your very well-deserved win! :)

Please catch the episode tomorrow night, Us Girls on Studio 23 at 9:30PM.

Cheerio! :)

HONG KONG (Part 2)

Sharing with you more pics from my recent trip to Hong Kong. :)