Fashion

Starmobile shows Cebu how to be happy

Starmobile, local maker of quality dual SIM mobile phones, brought to Cebu its brand of quality and craftsmanship. In an exclusive media event, guests were treated to a special sneak preview of Starmobile’s game-changing mobile marvels.

On the image above, Starmobile President Michael Chen and Starmobile Sales Director Jasper Yeng.

Starmobile Consumer Marketing Head Katrina Tioesco / Product display and set-up showcasing Starmobile’s range of mobile phones

By Detail‘s Gillian Uang

Thinline’s Frank Briones with InStyleCebu‘s Kristine Roa

Starmobile Assistant Brand Manager Paula Rivera, Consumer Marketing Head Katrina Tioseco with Thinline’s Louie Magbanua, Bryan Tayko, and Frank Briones

Christine Cueto with Zee Lifestyle’s Editors Mikey Sanchez, Katsy Borromeo and David Cua

Starmobile President Michael Chen shared: “Starmobile is more than just a maker of mobile phones. It is our vision to be the Filipinos’ partner in jumpstarting dreams and aspirations. We owe it to them to constantly push boundaries in telecommunications and content development to create a new, happy, and hopeful mobile lifestyle.”

Proof of the brand’s early success is seen as there are currently more than 100 Starmobile partner resellers located in Cebu’s main shopping locations. “We’ve set our eyes on Cebu from the very start. This city has long been known for harnessing local talent and brands that successfully compete internationally—the same objective that Starmobile sincerely shares,” says Michael.

Meet the Game Changers

Thanks to its clever combination of innovation and style, Starmobile lives up to its promise of top-of-the-line craftsmanship with its full range of dual SIM mobile phones that also offer 12 months warranty on parts and services.

Leading the pack is the new FeatureSmart™ T601i—the first of a series of mobile phones that utilizes the best features of a smartphone at an unbeatable value that has never been seen before. With dual SIM capabilities, ultra responsive 3.5” capacitive touchscreen, WIFI connectivity, and Mobile TV, the FeatureSmart T601i provides a dynamic and immersive user experience. Boasting of the look and feel of mainstream smartphones, a 3.2MP camera, plus built-in access to Facebook, Twitter, and Internet browsing via Opera Mobile, the T601i is designed to delight at only P3,290.

Also found in the T601i is exclusive mobile content only for Starmobile users: Inquirer.net and Job Market Online. This first of its kind partnership pioneered by Starmobile and Inquirer Digital provides Filipinos with built-in and real time access to news and job alerts.

Starmobile also brings to the Philippines the first and only mobile phone with built-in Bluetooth headset as it introduces the Jupiter B305. The wireless headset is cleverly designed to slip onto the back of the Jupiter B305, which also boasts of dual SIM and triband capabilities, 3MP camera, and comes in popular automobile colors of blue and orange.

“Our team noticed how Bluetooth headsets are, on one hand, very convenient for hands-free chatting on your phone but on the other hand, also very inconvenient because it tends to be lost or forgotten,” shares Michael. The clever design of the Jupiter B305 eliminates this problem and also automatically charges the headset while attached onto the back of the phone.

Perfect for multi-tasking professionals, the Jupiter B305 also has the built-in access to Facebook and use Opera Mini for Internet browsing. Multimedia and entertainment features such as FM radio, music and video player, expandable memory up to 8GB, and extended talk time up to 4 hours make the Jupiter B305 truly feature-packed at only P2,990.

Trending: #ViceGandaForStarmobile

But the surprises do not end there. More good news was revealed as the Unkabogable Vice Ganda officially pledges support and endorsement for Starmobile. “Vice Ganda represents the Pinoy Dreamer who is at the heart of Starmobile’s promising success story. He is a fitting representation of what it takes to be happy, hopeful, successful, and always in good vibes,” Consumer Marketing Head Katrina Tioseco said.

The ultimate ‘How to Be Happy’ tip? “Know that the good life is within your reach,” Katrina added. “We hope to share with you the joy in using Starmobile—a strong and credible brand that delivers a full range of intelligent but friendly, and very affordable mobile technologies for Filipinos.”

Quality dual SIM phones by Starmobile are now available in stores nationwide. For more information, check out www.starmobile.com.ph, Happy Man by Starmobile on Facebook, and @happymanPH on Twitter for bright, bold, better news from Starmobile.

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.