Fashion

Beautiful At Every Age

There’s no age limit to being beautiful. This month, we celebrate beauty at every age with four stunning Cebuanas—Jennifer Sarmiento, Vanessa Deen, Iris Arcenas and Alice Woolbright, who share their beauty secrets– and products that addresses specific skin care needs to look gorgeous, no matter what year it says on the birth certificate.

20s: JENNIFER SARMIENTO Founder and CEO of Beauty and Beyond Philippines

In the midst of a busy schedule, it’s important to have a product that serves multiple functions. The CliniqueMoisture Surge CC Cream gives a naturally rosy glow with color-correcting technology that uses light to achieve radiant and healthy-looking skin. It’s infused with key hydrating ingredients to combat the effects of humidity, and prevents environmental damage with UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants.

Give your natural look more oomph with the Balm NudeTude Palette, which features shimmery shades that range from the white Shimmer and the bronze Silly to the deep black Serious. Its ultra-cute packaging doesn’t hurt either.

Cute packaging is always appealing—what’s better than a product that’s effective and looks great? The EOS LipBalms come in pretty round shapes with colors that echo its flavors, like Strawberry Sorbet, Lemon Drop, and Sweet Mint. The same goes for the Dose ColorPills, the fun pharmaceutical-like bottles that make manicures a lot more interesting.

A part of a refreshing new take on the brand’s classic scented collection, the L’Occitane Mint Verbena BodyIce Gel leaves skin with a minty feeling—spearmint and peppermint are mixed in with citrus fruits, lemon zest and verbena. Use with the Exfoliating Shower Gel for something truly refreshing on those humid tropical days.

BEST BEAUTY ADVICE

“My parents told me to keep yourself hydrated at all times and drink lots of water. Water alone gives you so much benefits: detoxifying hydrating, and makes your skin clearer.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Rose water. “This is my favorite beauty product, I honestly cannot live without it. You can use it for everything– it’s not just a natural toner, it also helps with skin irritation, hair trouble and eye infections, and it’s very soothing.

30s:VANESSA DEEN, Managing Partner of Bigseed Public Relations Events

Lips can be very sensitive to the elements, and it’s important to pick products with gentle but effective formula. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Glosses add color and sheen while moisturizing lips with botanical oils and beeswax. For a more dramatic look, though, Vanessa turns to MAC Lipsticks. “The have the most versatile and wearable shades, and I love how they are vanilla-scented too.”

In homage to the iconic New York City graffiti and visual artist, the DKNY Keith Haring Fresh Blossom Art Eau de Toilette is vibrant and fresh. With a colorful palette of lush flowers and fruits, it’s a scent that epitomizes the charismatic and captivating spirit of the Big Apple.

The Bobbi Brown Navy Nude Collection was especially created as its namesake founder’s take on a sexy but fresh-faces summer look– a nude face with a hint of color. the two-level Eye Palette features shades that range from creamy white to a deep royal blue, while the Brightening Brick adds a soft, pearlized glow to create a sun-kissed look.

BEST BEAUTY ADVICE

“It’s from my mom. She always used to tell me to never touch my face with dirty hands and, most importantly, to get atleast eight hours of sleep every night.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

Weleda Rose Day Cream. “Since our skin is our largest organ and comprises 70% of our body, I try not to put anything with harmful chemicals on it. I found this line of products called Weleda and I swear by their rose day cream—it’s light, nongreasy and the only thing I put on my face.”

40s:IRIS ARCENAS, President of Ferimar Import-Export Incorporated

As the season shifts into colder weather, take on darker and more mysterious beauty looks with the Laura MercierDark Spell collection. Start off with the Face Illuminator to highlight with its soft rose gold shimmer, then add some eye drama with the Satin Matte Eye Color and Kohl Liner Extreme.

Twelve weeks of using the Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle UV Damage Corrector is a potent serum that promises visible wrinkle-reducing power that rivals that of a dermatological laser procedure.

Younger-looking skin might just come overnight with the Estee LauderAdvanced Time Zone Night Cream. The brand’s revolutionary formula boosts the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid to fight fine lines and a nightime amino acid complex to optimize collagen replacement—resulting in plumper skin in just three days

Stay fresh with the elegant scent of the Givenchy Dahlia NoirL’Eau. A fuller version of its original composition, the perfume has top notes of citron and neroil, and rose petal middle notes for a subtle but sensual fragrance.

BEST BEAUTY ADVICE

“Drink lots of water, exfoliate, and stay happy.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

“I use Argan Oil for my hair, body and face. It’s really a great product, it’s natural and has a lot of benefits– from fighting frizzy hair to moisturizing your skin.”

50s: ALICE WOOLBRIGHT, Managing Partner of the Beverly Hotel

Signs of aging are more prominent in the eye area so make sure to give some extra TLC. The Benefit Erase Paste instantly brightens the eyes and reduces signs of fatigue with a quick sweep before putting on concealer. Finish off with the Elizabeth Arden CeramideLash Extending Mascara, a special no smudge formula engineered to revitalize and protect lashes to make them fuller and longer.

An inspired blend of artistry and advanced biotechnology, the La Prairie White CaviarIlluminating Système offers lightening and lifting benefits in a luxurious formulation. The three-part system is composed of a cream and two concentrated serums, each offering anti-wrinkle, illuminating and hydrating effects.

Dubbed the age-defying foundation, the Lancome Renergie Lift Makeup SPF 20 blurs lines and wrinkles for up to 12 hours, with Micro-Lift technology that makes skin look flawlessly even, luminous and younger than ever.

Add drama to your look with the ShiseidoLacquer Rouge, inspired by Japanese lacquer artistry to produce intense color and luster.

BEST BEAUTY ADVICE

“Make a habit of cleansing your face every morning and before bedtime. It’s important to find the right cleansing cream (never soap), then use a warm washcloth to gently remove. Follow up with icy cold water to close pores then dab on some moisturizer. This gives skin a smooth radiant glow. These are the basic skin care steps I learned in my teens as a beauty consultant.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

“Mary Kay Timewise 3-in-1 Cleanser and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I have tried so many products in the market, but I always go back to these these favorites, which I have been using since I was 16.”

photography Dan Douglas Ong
makeup Jomer Arances and Emi Ayag

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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.