JC Buendia's 25th Anniversary Gala Show for Metro Society

He may have the humility and genius of Alber Elbaz, the boyish looks and design aesthetics of Narciso Rodriguez, and the impeccable tailoring and clean lines of Raf Simons, but JC Buendia has the bravura of these 3 great designers. I first met JC when he obliged to be part of Converse Glorietta 3 grand opening in 2005 which I handled, and together with Randy Ortiz, Vittorio Barba, Kate Torralba and Tonichi Nocom, they all came up with a pocket collection paired with Chuck Taylor. The group also designed their own Chucks, which were displayed for the store opening. And the times I bumped into JC, he has a ready smile and his aura is without any air, and this is for someone who has designed grand ternos and business suits for then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as well as suits for the former senator and now President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. And when he mentioned that Metro Society would be throwing a 25th Anniversary show on his behalf, I never knew that he had been designing for a quarter of a century. After many date changes as well as venue replacements, last August 27, JC Buendia’s show was held in the Grand Ballroom of Marriot Hotel in Resorts World Manila. The lobby leading to the ballroom was full of guests, quite excited to take their seats and see the show. It was like a movie date, as JC took inspiration from his favorite movies as well as TV series. Friends, clients and including former mentor Cesar Gaupo spoke about JC in a short video that opened the show. The 50-piece collection that JC presented that night spoke a lot about his design philosophy; excellent tailoring and classic silhouettes, ranging from evening dresses to ball gowns to men’s suits, JC did what was expected from him, a collection fit for a movie icon such as Audrey Hepburn (JC’s muse other than his own mom) and her leading man. The entire ballroom was agog as JC took his bow at the end of the show, he was onboard a bicycle and showed JC’s childlike attitude. Congratulations again JC and looking forward to your 50th year, may you make more beautiful clothes until 2037, we are all looking forward to another evening like your 25th Anniversary show.

Benchingko Films for Bench's 25th Anniversary

It was a film debut that got everyone talking after watching it last Friday, July 26 since it was a historic first. No it was not Queen Elizabeth’s cameo role in Oscar-winner director Danny Boyle’s film clip for the London Olympic 2012 Opening Ceremonies, who together with Daniel Craig as James Bond arrived via parachute onto the roof of the Olympic Stadium after jumping from a helicopter. People who attended the red carpet premiere of Benchingko Films in SM Mall Of Asia Centerstage guffawed and laughed out loud seeing Bench CEO Ben Chan on his first acting role as himself in “Bens 25” directed by Ianco Dela Cruz. Imagine seeing Ben Chan reveals the many side to his personality, 25 Ben Chans to be exact- one serious, the other “mataray”, another a bit skeptical- just to name a few. The film shows a humorous and candid peek at the many facets of the man behind the global fashion brand, seeing twenty-five Bens talking among themselves about the brand and how far it has come. “Bens 25” opened Benchingko Films and marks the first online short film initiative done by a retailer in the Philippines. The first batch to be released stars Lucy Torres-Gomez in “Star Teacher” directed by Marla Ancheta. It is a poignant travel documentary that brings her back to her beloved hometown, Ormoc, Piolo Pascual topbills Topel Lee’s “Perya”, a haunting love story set in the world where the grotesque and hideous is the norm. Lovi Poe takes on “Kama”- a three-part musical directed by Borgy Torre where the bed takes centerstage in different settings. Coco Martin plays Rogelio in “Horsepower” directed as well by Borgy Torre, a jeepney driver obsessed with speed and winning the prized horse trophy that would adorn his jeepney’s hood. Bella Flores, Philippine cinema’s quintessential kontrabida, plays herself as she reveals the secret of being the queen of mean via a wickedly step-by-step tutorial in “Kontrabida 101” directed by Jose Javier-Reyes. Ben Chan, together with Suyen Corporation’s Virgilio, Nenita, Brian and Kristine Lim, welcomed V.I.P. guests that came in spite of the inclement weather and heavy Friday traffic. Noel Manapat was seen hobnobbing with his collegeaus from advertising, industry stalwarts Melvin Mangada, Marci Reyes, Adobo Magazine’s Angel Guerrero, TBWA’s Tong Puno among others. Keren Pascual came with his ward Enchong Dee, together with good friends Leah Puyat and Marissa Lopa. Summit Publsihing’s Editorial Director Myrza Sison watched with husband Andrei, owner of Rain Tree Group that manages one of the best hotels in the world as declared by Travel + Leisure, the famed Discovery Shores in Boracay. “Be Bench Be Famous” reality star search winner Regine Angeles came with her new beau, Chef Victor Leano, who also won Century Tuna Bodies last 2011. Popular dermatologist, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, who is heavy with their third child, came with husband Dr. Z Teo Designer Randy Ortiz came with hotelier Marco Protacio to support Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez, who is Randy’s muse. The Quizon siblings, film director/actor Eric Quizon, Epy Quizon, and their half-sister singer Zia Quizon, were ones of the early birds in the star-studded red carpet premiere. Other Bench brand ambassadors such as Shaina Magdayao, Jessy Mendiola, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Benjamin Alves In the words of Bench founder and CEO Ben Chan: "Fashion keeps changing. Fashion is always evolving. Bench lasted this long because we figured out how to ride the waves of change. But movies and films are meant to last longer than fashion. Some are made to last forever. They make the foundation of a culture. The stay in people's minds and hearts. They become classics. It's the 25th anniversary of Bench, and this year we wanted to make something truly classic and ageless. So, we made these films. Movies are the backbone of Pinoy Pop Culture. " Ben also paid tribute to Philippine cinema’s King of Comedy, Dolphy, who would have been 84 that week. Creative, unconventional, funny, and moving, Benchingko Films are packed with a little bit of everything for everyone. True to its brand character, these films will surprise, mesmerize, perhaps even shock viewers, with genres so diverse ranging from documentary to musical to comedy. A Benchingko Films website that will house all films and make them available for online viewing will be launched soon. Benchingko Films is one of the many activities lined up this year as Bench celebrates its 25th year as Philippines’ leading fashion brand For more updates like Bench official Facebook page and follow @benchtm via Twitter. For more information about benchingko Films, visit www.benchtm.com/benchingko

Daphne Home Scents Out In The Market

I moved to the suburbs 4 years ago to escape the concrete jungle of Makati and be nearer to nature, and guess what, I found this ideal place 20 minutes from the Makati Central Business Disrtrict and yet feel so provencal, with all the open spaces planted with mango trees and fresh air all around somewhere in Laguna/Muntinlupa boundary. What I did not foresee was that the newfound place comes with a catch, next to the village is a piggery. Even if the owner of the stud farm surrounded his property with a thousand trees, the stench still permeates the perimeter of the piggery. I had two choices, to get an airconditioner (not environment-friendly) or get a powerful odor remover (my neighbors planted camellia to mask but that shrub does not bloom 365 days a week right?), and artificial air fresheners might do more harm than good, financially speaking as well as health-wise. Last Friday, I was invented for an afternoon tea for the launch Daphne Osena-Paez furniture line for Dimensione and Daphne Home Scents for Bench. Upon arriving in Dimensione in Bonifacio High Street, a very relaxing feel greeted me, seeing the lovely people from Suyen Corporation, and I took my seat up front. I had a feeling that this launch would be very intimate given that there were a few tables and the venue was held at the 2nd floor display area of Dimensione. When I took a bathroom break, upon stepping inside the men’s room, I was greeted by a relaxing scent. When I checked around, I saw a bottle of Daphne Home Scents by the sink, the variant says Lavender, so I made a mental note to buy after the event since it really smell good. When I returned to my table, the press launch was almost starting, and when Raymond Guiterrez, the host for the afternoon tea event introduced Daphne Osena-Paez, everybody snickered when it was mentioned that she could be the “Martha Stewart” of the Philippines (oh well, I guess we all knew that Martha had her day in the court and served her criminal sentence for insider trading a few years back). Daphne can’t help but gush over the preparations of Bench for their 1st ever collaboration, from the tale settings to the spread by Bizu and everything in between. Daphne Oseña-Paez, who cut her teeth on lifestyle shows with a focus on design, home and architecture, is putting theory to practice with her eponymous furniture label, now available at Dimensione, and line of home fragrances for Bench. “Because of my show Urban Zone's influence, I was given opportunities to create products for the home,” Daphne says. “I set up Daphne as an independent brand that addressed the need for stylish, good quality, and affordable pieces for the home.” Her first piece, which debuts at Dimensione, is a range of chairs fashioned from farmed mahogany wood. “My signature piece, the Daphne chair, is playful and a bit feminine,” she explains. “Nostalgia is a big part of my collection.” Available in purples, oranges, reds and yellows — inspired by her kids' love for ice cream — the chairs are whimsical yet rooted in practicality. “I wanted something reminiscent of the prettiness of childhood,” Daphne adds. “I'm pleasantly surprised that it has turned into something like a ‘must have for every girl.’” Handmade by an export-accredited award-winning furniture manufacturer, the chairs may look delicate but they are designed to last. “And the beauty of this piece is that it works in any kind of environment,” she points out. “I've seen it best in an ultra modern, minimalist home. It stood out like sculpture. I've seen it in a small coffee shop used as regular chairs.” Her home fragrance line, a trio of scents now available at Bench, is another aspect of home design she wanted to conquer. “I believe that home fragrances are just as important as personal scents,” she says. “It is the final touch in creating a well-dressed home.” “For as long as I could remember I always had room scents — whether it was candles, sprays, sachets or drawer liners. I want my home always smelling fresh and clean. I would tell these stories frequently on my blog Daphne.ph.” The resulting trio reflects these sensibilities. “I wanted the fragrance line to reflect different moods. When I was creating this with the Bench team, I was imagining actual rooms. I took inspiration from food, travel and colors.” Mint Jasmine Infusion is a mix of floral and mint, inspired by an outdoor kitchen in Tuscany. Homemade Lemon Tart is reminiscent of freshly-baked pie, a universal scent designed to appeal to all ages and lifestyles. Acres of Lavender, which aids in sleep, is woodsy, soothing and relaxing. “Fragrance can define the purpose of a room,” she adds. “It sets the mood: relaxing, refreshing, comfortable, welcoming. It's the final touch. The best accessory for a well-dressed home.” “I practice my love for design in my everyday life,” Daphne observes. “Now I'm happy that Daphne Furniture has found a new home in Dimensione and Daphne Home Fragrances for Bench.” Daphne Home Scents retail at Php348.00 each and is available at Dimensione stores and selected Bench stores nationwide.

How Joe Jonas came, saw and conquered Manila for Bench

The activities last week were dizzying, there was the CJ impeachment trial, the American Idol Season 11 finale, and the visit of a true Hollywood royalty. The lunch at Rizal ballroom of Makati Shangri-La for Joe Jonas’ formal introduction as Bench brand spokesperson was an event not to be missed. With my Detail magazine issue dated April 2011 with Joe Jonas as cover, I headed to the event hoping to see the 1/3 of the famous Jonas brothers, and I was not disappointed. Once he came on stage wearing his “It’s More Fun In Bench” (an offshoot from DOT’s “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” campaign), all hell broke loose, young girls shrieking, guests standing from their tables, everyone angling for a good photo or video of Joe Jonas. At 22 years old, Joe shed his teen heartthrob image (anyone who remember “Camp Rock”?) and transformed into a mature solo artist late last year with the debut of his album "Fastlife." The album was inspired by Joe's increasing interest in club culture, coming of age, pursuing new things, and learning to take risks. Fans will see a new side of Joe in his solo album which shows a sharp contrast to the music he did with his siblings Kevin and Nick. He took a break from pop-rock rifts and turned to club music ¬– a fusion of Pop, Dance, Hip-Hop, Techno and House. He collaborated with top hit-making producers Danja (Britney Spears, Madonna) and Rob Knox (Leona Lewis, Rihanna) to produce a sound uniquely his. “I wanted to make this album something a club DJ would listen to,” says Jonas. The tracks in the album carry unique sounds that uplift and energize listeners with a fun club vibe. Rhythmic ballads such as "I'm Sorry" and "See No More" are also included–containing dramatic melodies that showcase Joe's powerful

soaring voice. Famous for its global quality and stylish clothing Bench has been aligning itself with local and international artists who not only excel in their fields of expertise but are style ambassadors as well. In celebration of its 25th year, Bench's Ageless 25th anniversary campaign aims to transcend and dissolve all limits, borders, stereotypes and conventions, by collaborating with multi-talented artists from all around the world. Joe Jonas captures the Ageless Bench spirit because of his energy and global talent. Like Bench, he epitomizes the synergy of talent and style. He is a prominent style icon who has caught the eyes of influential designers the world over. Armed with a more mature cut and a bit of sexy scruff Joe is climbing the ranks of Hollywood's young A-list and is emerging as a sleek man with a sharper edge and sophisticated tastes. A major evidence of his refined style and growing fondness for fashion can be seen during last year's New York Fashion Week where he sported a sleek suit ensemble by young British designer Simon Spurr, earning him style point praises from designers the world over. For more updates don't forget to like Bench's official Facebook page and follow @benchtm via Twitter.

Happy 2011!!!

New year, new beginning. It’s really a cliché, why wait for the New Year to change oneself when we have 365 days in a year to adopt small things to better change ourselves. Wait, why change in the 1st place? Does that mean something is wrong? Defective? Not working? We are trained to see ourselves vis-à-vis the general population, our ego needs to be brushed by our peers, thus the popularity of Facebook and the ultimate demise of Friendster. In the old Friendster, you can’t tag your photos or do daily status updates, a way that made Facebook very cool. Imagine, now you can shout to the whole digital world the places you’ve been, the friends you have, the things you have, how’s that for bragging rights?

It’s been a while since I wrote down something on this blog; blame it to the pressure to churn out articles when I was writing for 2 daily broadsheets. Make that past tense, was, since I think I have given up on writing, or maybe the editors have given up on me. Whatever the case, writing is something that one can do anywhere, something similar to prayers. I was lucky I was given the chance to write in dailies, it was financially and creatively rewarding. I have a compilation of all my past articles, and sometimes I can’t help but feel bad for some bad writing of mine. I have no one to blame but my self, churning out articles in less than 10 minutes.

So today, I am resurrecting this blog and write stuff that interests me on a daily basis. I said that I would stuff doing Facebook, such as waste of time actually, and instead, will use my time in more noteworthy endeavors I missed, like reading, watching movies, running, talking long walks, traveling.

Everyone is saying that 2011 is my year, given that I was born under the Year of the Ox, and with the changing of the calendar from Tiger to Rabbit, I can’t hardly wait. Let’ see what this year holds for me

A tale of 2 seaside retreats

JUST LIKE A SIREN SONG, seaside living is tempting. Who would ever say no to the sound of trees swaying to the sea breeze while sipping a cold beer or cocktail and lounging in a hammock? The idea itself is enough to lull tired souls to sleep on lazy afternoons.

Landco, the purveyor of high leisure living for the past 20 years through notable seaside getaways such as Peninsula de Punta Fuego, is again pushing the envelope. Recently, Inquirer Lifestyle visited its two new developments, Playa Calatagan and The Peak at Terrazas de Punta Fuego.

Calatagan conjures images of polo players in the expansive fields of Punta Baluarte. When industrialist Enrique Zobel (“Enzo”) developed Calatagan as his playground and breeding ground for his thoroughbreds, the sleepy coastal Batangas town facing the South China Sea became an Old Boys’ Club and the upper crust started building weekend houses there.

Lately, marketing pundits have used “leisure tourism” as buzzword to push beach-side developments. Landco saw the laid-back and Old World charm of the area. It is now offering Playa Calatagan, which aims to provide recreational adventures for homeowners and tourists alike: It seeks to put up hotels, shopping centers and restaurants that provide convenience and endless options for residents and vacationers.

The main beach clubhouse is situated next to Playa Calatagan’s famous coastline dotted with overgrown Talisay trees. One can enjoy swimming or relaxing at the pool cabanas.

Playa Calatagan is also putting up an amphitheater park, a bamboo park, a hilltop clubhouse and a central park. And for those planning to build the perfect beach house, there will be Asian tropical-inspired homes that complement the natural, rustic atmosphere.

The model unit lets the sunshine in and has a view of South China Sea. (Big picture windows double as slide doors.)

The living room has cathedral ceiling for that airy effect. The living room is surrounded with infinity ponds filled with lotus and carp.

The open floor plan connects the living room to the dining area and kitchen, and more space for entertaining. The dining room extends to a pocket garden and a reflection pool that is also an infinity-edge pool.

A small powder room is at the stair landing. It leads to the second floor, where the private areas of the house are—a master bedroom and a guest room plus a family living area and the veranda.

The bedrooms have native decor, from bamboo stilts as overheard décor to capiz doors as dividers and wooden four-post bed.

The bathrooms have rain shower heads, bamboo, potted plants, and natural daylight coming in.

Retreat in style

Now that Peninsula de Punta Fuego has become Landco’s flagship high-end development in Batangas, the company has developed seaside residential enclaves in Nasugbu, from Terrazas de Punta Fuego to The Peak and The Ridge.

The view from the house is breathtaking—mountain ranges on one end, the South China Sea on the other, and farmlands and salt marshes in between.

The house adapts to the natural contour of sloping mountain terrain, and an open layout and extensive use of glass panels allow the mountain and sea to be viewed from every part of the house.

Intended to look like a small Asian tropical bungalow, the building is a three-level house with a loft. The 318-sq m layout is creatively done, with stairs leading to the lower level where the main part of the house is located.

The living room is designed to look and feel like an island, connected to the main house by a small concrete bridge over two small ponds. Glass doors and windows providing a 180-degree view of the mountains and the sea wrap around the living area.

The conjoined kitchen and dining area has a spectacular view of the rolling hills of Nasugbu.

The den is a small multipurpose area, which can be quickly transformed into a guest room.

At the ground level is the master’s bedroom with a pocket garden and view of the small pool below.

The showpiece of the master’s bedroom is the wooden bed, placed right at the center of the room overlooking the mountains.

Landco is celebrating its 20th year as premier developer of Playa Calatagan and Terrazas de Punta Fuego’s The Peak and The Ridge.

For details, call +632-8365000 or visit www.landco.ph.

Your guide to the next best thing in bazaars

FOUR months to go and Father Christmas is just about here. Greenhills Shopping Complex’s COD Christmas display is almost done, while Makati has started its dry run for the annual Christmas spectacle along Ayala Avenue.

If Christmas is near, expect the bazaars to take up most of our weekends to complete our list of holiday gifts. As early as August, groups such as Zonta Club of Makati headed by Olga Martel held a weekend bazaar at Rockwell Tent.

Bazaars are actually hotbeds for the next best thing. Entrepreneurs utilize bazaars to market-test their products.

Who will ever forget the success stories of Blued, a college project by trailblazing Ateneans led by Tess Manimtim? What started as a college exhibit called Bluemark became a household name, thanks to the brand’s preppy dose of colorful windbreakers, paisley-printed hooded shirts and cotton boxer shorts. From college bazaars to stand-alone store in the old Glorietta 2 that opened in 1992, Blued became a benchmark of bazaar success stories.

Candles and more

Recently, I did a visit of bazaars and listed possible Christmas gifts.

For candle lovers, Pont A La Ligne, Gien France and Deco Candles are brands meant for export to Europe. They are made at the Export Processing Zone in Rosario, Cavite. Nautical-inspired candles ranging from corals to clams will definitely look good on dinner tables or in one’s private study.

For bag hags, Bags in the City sells everything from magnetic money clips to totes to accessories organizers, while Lulu Virata Jorge’s 1203 Exchange Limited sells trinkets and colorful faux croc-skin minaudieres, perfect for ladies who love to smooch come cocktail hours.

For bazaar veteran Jocelyn Ramos, her Multi-realms Enterprises sell Pucci-printed shirtdresses and clothes fresh from the runway. She faithfully scours fashion magazines for fashion inspirations that will catch the eye of discerning bazaar-goers.

Meanwhile, Vella offers leathergoods from tissue holders, cardholders to notepads. Imagine checking in at Immigration counter using a Vella travel wallet that carries your passport in style.

Everywhere you look – hotels, country clubs, even vacant lots –
a bazaar is happening these days, and it’s still 15 weeks before Christmas. As the world limps out of recession (hopefully) before 2010, let us spread the joy of the holidays by bazaar-shopping.