Fashion

Bee Urgello’s Closet is as Glamorous as We Thought

Bags, shoes and couture gowns make the closet of this Cebuana Queen Bee a glamorous sight.

The crown is the first thing that caught our eye once we entered Bee Urgello’s all-white closet. Sitting on a pillow in one of the most visible spots in the space, it’s the diadem that’s usually awarded to the lady who wins Queen Philippines, the pageant for alternatives. It’s surprising that it’s here then, considering Bee had won the title back in 2011. “Mommy Cary,” she says, referring to revered designer and Queen organizer Cary Santiago, “told me that I can keep it here, because I’m the Queen that’s most active in events.”

Bee’s all-white closet allows her pieces (and herself) to truly stand out. Her beloved collection of Chanel bags are a focal point, though.

Of course, it’s not like Bee needs a crown to stand out. Whenever she makes an appearance, she does so in carefully thought-out ensembles that make the most of her enviable height and svelte figure—and the various Best Dressed awards certainly reinforce her sense of style.

“Dressing up makes me happy, and it completes me,” Bee shares as she shows us the different outfits she had planned out for the shoot—namely a body-conscious red dress, and a black and white combination that she felt played up her proportions. As we go through the rest of the clothes, she told us to concentrate on the racks that stood by the closet door. “Those are the ones that I haven’t worn yet,” she explains.

“Its just my favorites,” Bee answers with a laugh when we ask her why some shoes get displayed outside her cabinets. For easier reference, she devotes each shelf to a certain brand–this one features her Yves Saint Laurent pairs.

The items that fell under that category actually took up two racks, filled from end to end with pieces from brands like H&M and Zara, as well as creations from local designers. “I always say that shopping is better than sex. A dress or shoes will never hurt or leave you like a man does,” she says with a laugh.

The collection shows off different sides to Bee’s style—from the trendy see-through sheaths with floral embroidery, to the more classic looks of jersey jumpsuits and black dresses. Then there’s her collection of evening gowns, with figure-hugging silhouettes and intricate detailing, that she wears for her official appearances. A yellow dress with cut-out details from Cary Santiago and a blue one with a bejeweled neckline from Harvey Cenit hang at the end of one rack. “Those are really new. The one from Harvey Cenit I’d just picked up,” Bee explains. “I can’t wait to wear them!”

Of course, its not just all about Chanel–Bee’s other designer bags het their own space inside one of the wardrobes, and are arranged neatly for when she’s in the mood to switch it up.

But it’s not just about clothes—with its white walls and cabinetry, Bee’s closet has various areas to display the other part of her collection: her shoes and bags. “They’re my babies,” Bee jokes as she shows us her Chanel bags, which occupy their own shelf on one end of the room. Next to it, a wooden shelf houses her designer shoes, organized by brand for easier dressing.

Drawers on one side are filled with various accessories, and Bee laughs as we move to open another cabinet. “Don’t! Those are my pang-balay,” she exclaims. “Not stylish at all.”

Fashion

To See and Be Seen: Philippine Terno Gala, A Celebration of Heritage and Couture

by Kingsley Medalla | photography Emmanuele Sawit

The Philippine Terno Gala 2025, curated by Cary Santiago, has evolved into a key feature in the Filipino fashion agenda, highlighting the iconic Terno—a traditional Filipiniana garment that represents a significant part of our cultural legacy. The prestigious fashion event was supported by the Cebu City Government, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Cebu Tourism Commission.

Now on its third edition, the gala fashion show was marked by the creative forces of six highly acclaimed designers: Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Protacio Empacis, Cary Santiago, Jojie Lloren, and Joey Samson. Their body of work produced a collection that showcased intricate craftsmanship and delicate hand embroidery, enhancing traditional aesthetics.

Maybelle Padillo

Bernie Aboitiz, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Pacita Agoncillo Sode, Oj Hofer, and Rose Cayetano-Henessy

Michael Waechter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Simon Piggot, Margie Moran-Floirendo, and Cary Santiago

Javi Martinez and Daryl Chang

The evening was complemented by a live orchestra, creating an ambiance to match the designers’ reimagining of the Terno. The experience offered sensory stimulation that reflected the harmony between fashion and live music, punctuated by the presence of prominent personalities in the fashion and social circles.

No other fashion garment embodies the richness of Filipino heritage and culture quite like the Terno. The Philippine Terno Gala serves as both a celebration and a tribute to the Filipino identity, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in a contemporary context.

Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento, and Mags Cue

Kaye Tinga, Mia Borromeo and Bernie Montinola-Aboitiz

Jennifer Ty and Tessa Prieto-Valdes

Councilors Edu Rama and Joy Pesquera

Mariquita Yeung and Protacio Empacis

Fashion

Behind the Scenes: Backstage at The Philippine Terno Fashion Show 2025 in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

By Doro Barandino

What most people attending fashion events don’t realize is that the actual battleground happens backstage. Here’s a peek at the real magic that transpires among fashion designers, stylists, hair and make-up artists, dressers, and ramp models hours before showtime. In the recent Philippine Terno fashion show, a whole team of creatives in the fashion industry produced the most extravagant and whimsical recreation of the celebrated garment in the country’s cultural landscape.

Fabric manipulation simulating bird feathers are the main features in Cary Santiago’s ternos.

Mesh-like sculptural head accessories added to the visual impact of the designer’s collection.

Jun Escario’s relaxed barong tunics are characterized by its fine embroidery on pinya fabric

The modern kimona reinterpreted by Jun Escario.

Edwin Ao’s take on the Barong is both linear and minimalist.

Edwin Ao ‘s modern version of the traditional baro at saya has architectural folds as its signature look.

The classic terno has draping and printed silk fabric on Joji Lloren’s master class look

Joey Samson known for avant-garde designs has assorted neckties as an accessory to complement the color black.

Protacio re-shaped the silhouette of the traditional barong Tagalog.

Joji Lloren added geometric patterns for a more contemporary look on the terno.

Unfinished stitches of embroidery leaving loose threads add movement and volume to Edwin Ao’s version of the terno

Fashion

Salt, Silk, and Stardom: Ten Reasons Celebrities Wear Amato by Furne One

by Oj Hofer

At Take Me to the Sea, Amato by Furne One unveiled more than a resort/bridal collection — he revealed a world suspended between tides and starlight, where salt, silk, and stardom stitched themselves into every look.

Held at The Hall of the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, the show was a transportive experience. As waves whispered beyond the glass, Amato’s gowns swept down the runway like sirens called to shore. Here are ten reasons why global icons return — time and again — to his sea of style.

1. Salt in the Craft
His garments carry the wild grace of the sea — textured, elemental, unforgettable. Every bead, cut, and crystal tells a story shaped by emotion and intuition.

2. Silk in the Movement
Though opulent, his creations float. There’s ease in the drama — cascading motion without weight. Ideal for performers who speak through movement.

3. Stardom in the Vision
Furne doesn’t chase trends — he conjures icons. His gowns command attention while allowing the wearer’s light to radiate.

4. Salt as Spirit
There is soul in the stitching — a deep undercurrent of cultural pride and personal mythology. His work carries weight because it carries truth.

5. Silk as Spellwork
His fabrics don’t just dress — they enchant. Each piece invites touch, reverence, and awe.

6. Stardom in the Silhouette
Furne understands form. He doesn’t simply clothe a figure — he sculpts for presence. For red carpets, concert stages, and film legends.

7. Salt of the Earth
Despite global acclaim, Furne remains grounded. His humility fosters collaboration, creating space for intimacy in the creative process.

8. Silk-Wrapped Strength
There is softness, but never fragility. These gowns are fierce — veiled in elegance yet unapologetically bold.

9. Stardom as Alchemy
Wearing Amato is not mere adornment — it is transformation. A star steps into a Furne One creation and becomes mythic.

10. Salt, Silk, and the Furne Himself
Furne One is the thread. With quiet charisma and a generous spirit, he doesn’t just dress celebrities — he disarms them. And from that space of trust emerges what every artist longs for: wonder.

And in Amato’s world, wonder always wins.