People

In Her Shoes

Monica Figueroa talks about her unique inspirations, why she thinks she’s a pair of stylish ballerina flats, and why Cebu is a lot more fashionable than most people give it credit for.

Monica Figueroa talks about her unique inspirations, why she thinks she’s a pair of stylish ballerina flats, and why Cebu is a lot more fashionable than most people give it credit for.

A designer with a penchant for the whimsical butsophisticated, MonicaFigueroa has beensketching sincesecondary school. “Ienjoyed sketchingshoes, people, figuresand the like,” sherecalls. “A friend had seen my work andsuggested I get into shoe design, and Istarted doing it professionally until 2007.”

The result is her line MonicaFig, which features a variety of designsthat range from heels inspired froman artichoke, to another by mythical sea creatures– specifically the local “shokoy,” a scaly mermaid-like being that we can’t seem to find an Englishtranslation for. “I don’t think I have asignature look, because I refuse to stickto one. My designs, more often than not,spring from inspirations that varies fromcollection to collection. One thing is forcertain though—I veer away from thepredictable. I suppose you could say that my signature is to be unique.”

Despite the creative heels she’sproduced over the years, Monica actuallyconsiders herself a pair of ballerina flats. “I have loved them for as long asI can remember. In fact, I was featured in a weekend magazine because I justhad one too many pairs of ballet shoes.” That’s probably why her next line will feature a line of flats– “I think it’s time to go back to my first love.”

Although the half-German, half-Filipinadesigner is making a name for herselfin Manila, she grew up in Cebu andfrequently visits her hometown for aholiday. We ask her about what shethinks of the city’s fashion scene, andhow she plans to bring that identitywith her as she continues on herthriving career.

What do you think about the stateof Cebu’s fashion consciousness?

I had never thought that Cebu hada small group that appreciatesfashion and accessories. To myknowledge, Cebu is in fact one ofthe best accessories manufacturersin the Philippines—we have quite agood number of manufacturers andexporters who have been around forsome time, and they are incrediblyamazing at what they do. As for thefashion bit, my sentiments are the same. I reckon it’s got a lot to do withthe fact that Cebu has such a laidbackfeel—we do have a lovely city, yes, butwe do also have our beaches withinclose proximity, which creates this“beachy” relaxed mood. In fact, I feellike I am on holiday every time I’m inCebu! It’s inevitable—when in Cebu,one feels like putting on a summerdress, a pair of sunnies and somesandals, just like going to Brighton orthe Hamptons for a weekend getaway.But this doesn’t make Cebuanos anyless fashionable. Take a Cebuanoto a social event, and they are justas stylish as any person outside ofCebu. Contrary to what everyonethinks, Cebuanos do know—we simplychoose not to make it our priority.We’d rather talk about the sun than go on a lengthy discussion about Dolce& Gabbana being tried in court forevading taxes.

How would you compare the industry of Cebu and Manila?

We all know thatManila is the center of everything— business, finance, fashion, and the like.Cebu may be a laidback little islandas opposed to Manila, where the pacemay be relatively quicker, but Cebuhas a bevy of talents left and right whoare making and have made a namefor themselves, not only in Manila butglobally. That’s an advantage, isn’t it?

What are your plans for the future,>and how would you relate it to Cebu?

My plan is to give retail a try—crossing my fingers, and toes. I am working on a collaboration with a Cebu-basedaccessories designer and manufactureras well. Also, using materials that are“proudly Pinoy”—I suppose this will notonly help encourage aspiring talents togive design a try, but also help promoteCebu, and its talent and capabilities.

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado

It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.

Design

Filipino graphic designer makes history, joins Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde among genre’s greats

PJ Ong of Inodoro, an internationally renowned graphic designer, is the first Filipino whose work will be part of the permanent collection of Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde

CEBU CITY — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio, is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Cebu-based graphic designer and art director of Inodoro Design Studio, PJ Ong

Ong’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.

“Avant-garde,” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said Ong.

Part of a stellar contemporary collection

Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, Ong will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer, Björk), WORK Pte Ltd (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London) and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.

Ong’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo, White Widow, will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves” — released under Melt Records — features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.

The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.

“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said Ong.

‘Poetry you can touch’

The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.

“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said Ong.

“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”

Profound honor

Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio under Ong’s leadership has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be on display at the MA-g, Ong stated that it is “particularly humbling.”

“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.

“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”

Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing Ong’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

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About The Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g)

The Museum of Avant-garde compiles an original body of work from private collections, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of avant-garde movements. These movements, synonymous with transformative ideologies and daring experimentations, played a pivotal role in challenging political and societal conventions. For more information, visit www.ma-g.org.

About Inodoro

Inodoro is the creative moniker of graphic designer and art director PJ Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine design scene. Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, based in Cebu, Philippines, has garnered international recognition for its bold and distinctive design, with a focus on thought-driven imagery and iconic visual language. The studio specializes in identities, custom typography, graphic design and art direction. For more information, visit www.inodoro-design.com.

People

Ladies Who Support Ladies

Women’s Circle is an organization composed of Cebuano ladies who are successful entrepreneurs and top executives. They recently held a fellowship event at the Sheraton Mactan Resort, with special guests from the Women’s Business Council Philippines. Chairperson, Rosemarie Rafael and Council Secretary Cynthia Mamon both flew in from Manila to discuss alliances between the Cebu and Manila groups.

Loot bag from Jo Malone, Sheraton, R&M Chocomanga, gift card from Maayo Clinic, sarong from Ferimar.

The half day event was organized by Perl Jacalan, Gina Atienza and Eva Gullas. Sheraton Resort through its GM Dottie Wugler Cronin supported the event as it is aligned with the hotel’s women initiatives. The successful event was made more fun with generous give-aways, notably Jo Malone perfumes, Sheraton bags, R&M Chocomanga and sarongs from Ferimar.