Fashion

Here’s a gift guide to kick off your Christmas shopping

Christmas comes once a year, so why not make your gifts worth the wait?

Here’s a confession straight from this website’s editor: I do most – if not all – of my Christmas shopping at Rustan’s.

To most of those my age and income bracket, this is seen as a seemingly indulgent thing. Actually, it is – although not in the way people assume so. Seriously, if people actually just stop dismissing Rustan’s as a super high end department store (even though it is), they’d find that they can actually get some very interesting and good quality things with any budget.

But the real extravagance lies in the variety of the store’s offerings – from makeup to clothes to home furnishings – and the abundance of cashiers and gift wrapping counters. Shopping in Rustan’s, even at the peak of the holiday rush, remains a breeze. You’d find that even though you’re like me and prone to doing your shopping at the last minute, the experience is anything but a hassle.

Considering it’s a three-floor anchor store in Ayala Center Cebu, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Zee Lifestyle is here to save the day, with recommendations personally handpicked by the family who runs the show – the Tantocos.

AMB. BIENVENIDO TANTOCO SR.

Chairman’s Choice by Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.

The father of Rustan’s and a man renowned for his exceptional taste, Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. chooses an array of timeless pieces – from a handsome Piaget watch, to light casual shirts by Ascot Chang, which are sure to delight all men who appreciate clean, classic styles.

PAOLO TANTOCO AND ANTON HUANG

Classic Picks by Anton Huang

Paolo Tantoco and Anton Huang offer their own elegant selections that appeal to the younger male market with striking shoes from Harry’s of London, and wonderful fashion pieces from Adolfo Dominguez, Faconnable and more.

ZENAIDA TANTOCO

CEO’s Choice by Zenaida Tantoco

For the CEO’s Picks, Zenaida Tantoco chooses a promising selection of feminine yet stunning pieces such as the Damiani Icon Ring and Loewe Flamingo Bag in red for the glamorous, empowered executive. And for her home, nothing is as luxurious as the masterpieces from Lalique and Lladro.

MARILEN TANTOCO

Glam Picks by Marilen Tantoco

Marilen Tantoco, on the other hand, lends her keen sense of style in choosing dazzling pieces for the ladies in your life. She recommends luxurious Natori ensembles perfect for the everyday and exquisite tea sets by Bernardaud.

MARITESS TANTOCO ENRIQUEZ

Tokies Picks by Maritess Tantoco Enriquez

For the ladies with more eclectic tastes, Maritess Tantoco Enriquez recommends unique pieces that are statements in themselves – such as the ZIIO Bracelets, Fendi bag charms and an array of fashion-forward heels by Christian Louboutin.

CAMILLE AND NICOLE TANTOCO

Millenial Picks by Nicole Tantoco

Fashionable young ladies, on the other hand, will be inspired by the stylish picks of Camille and Nicole Tantoco, which reflect a more trendy and contemporary take to style. Nicole chooses clean, crisp looks from one of the newest brands Ricardo Preto and complementing accessories by Longchamp and Fendi. Camille goes for a more flirty touch with relaxed, feminine dresses by Darling London and Catwalk Junkie. She spruces this up with MAC beauty essentials and Shashi accessories.

Trendy Picks by Camille Tantoco

If you’re still can’t decide on what to pick for yourself or your fashionable friends and family, you can log visit your favorite Rustan’s store and allow the expert personal shoppers and sales associates help you discover the great selections of gifts available for all your loved ones and friends. Welcome this season dressed in your stylish best with picks from Rustan’s in-house designers and luxury retailers.

This Christmas, Rustan’s offers you more rewards as you thoughtfully shop for others. With every gift purchase, get the chance as well to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to some of the most wonderful destinations in the world.

For every P3,000 minimum single receipt purchase at any Rustan’s Department Store, receive a raffle ticket towards a chance at winning one of three wonderful trips to great destinations: New York City with a private tour around the official headquarters of Tiffany & Co; France, with a stay at the the exclusive hotel of Lalique, Hotel Hochber; or Malaysia, with a fun getaway at LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park.

Christmas comes but once a year but there are a million and one ways to celebrate it. Let Rustan’s be part of your memories and help you make the most of every moment. (with PR)

RUSTAN’S
Ayala Center Cebu
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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.