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Miko Sarmiento: Turning Silk Scarves Into Works of Art

Miko Sarmiento studied Fashion Communication and Styling at Istituto Marangoni in London. After that, he worked as a visual merchandiser at Rustan’s Manila and was later hired by designer Miranda Konstantinidou as a creative consultant in the Cebu office, where he was actively involved in styling photographic pictorials and visual displays. It was during this period that Miko’s love for prints was honed and developed. Currently, Miko has created a capsule collection of silk scarves featuring prints close to his heart and memory.

Tell us something about your new project.
It really came about because I wanted to show my love of illustration on a platform other than a screen. Once, a friend asked me to illustrate prints on pocket squares for her groomsmen—the idea took shape from there. I was always cautious about putting work out into the already super-saturated print space, but I finally mustered enough courage to do it and decided that size, texture, and movement were the perfect blend of fashion and illustration. The brand’s name is im.ok, and this capsule collection is called huna.huna #1.

This capsule collection is called huna.huna #1.

What is it that you love about this work?
I love that I get to use so many different types of media with the help of digital art. My prints start off as little sketches and collages on traditional media platforms, and then I port them over digitally, where they get refined with a multitude of brushes and textures that the digital space can offer. It’s a learning process each and every day.

The final product of an extensive creative process involving digital art.

Are you inspired by any visual artists lately?
A few that I currently love are Ronan Bouroullec, known more as a designer but someone I find very inspiring; Hikaru Shimoda, for her child-like and nostalgic portraits; and Kelly Beeman—her fashion illustrations are a constant pin on my mood board.

Ronan Bouroullec, considered master of contemporary design.

What kind of bag do you use these days?
I just got a vintage bicolor epi-leather Noé that has the perfect patina. It’s been my workhorse for the past couple of weeks. It’s amazing how well-made vintage bags hold up, considering it was manufactured in 1995.

Vintage Noe bag photographed on top of JEG Tower.

Are you glued to any television series or film?
I finished the anime series The Summer Hikaru Died—it’s the perfect nostalgic queer summer love story with a twist of darkness and horror.

Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren.

Do you have a piece of jewelry or a timepiece you cannot part with?
I have several hand-me-down bangles from my mom and loved ones that never leave my wrist, and a “Tank” watch that I got for my 21st birthday. It’s been with me through all my adventures, even at times when it probably shouldn’t have.

The “Tank” was designed by Louis Cartier in 1917 and soon became iconic.

What’s your soundtrack like?
On repeat lately have been a lot of new girl pop. Constants are No Na, Katseye, Chaeyoung, and Audrey Hobert. They’re perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up all the way to an impromptu dance with friends past midnight.

NoNa is an Indonesian girl group formed with 88rising.

What is your favorite travel destination?
My favorite travel destination has got to be Japan. There’s so much to explore—be it the quaint neighborhoods or the hyper-modern cities, you’ll always find something new. My last trip was to Kanazawa; the highlights were the most delicious unagi and a beautifully preserved historical quarter that was less crowded than Kyoto but just as charming.

Traditional Kanazawa houses are often characterized by sliding doors and thatched roofing.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t think I know what that is yet, but pretty close would be a night of great music and dancing at a beautiful home, surrounded by loved ones and my animals.

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Luna Vdl–Endless Summers in Siargao

Luna Vdl has been in the modeling industry since she was 16 years old and has managed to continue her career to this stage. Her recent stint was with Bezza, a Cebu-based clothing line by Brazilian designer Claudia Bezza Yeung, known for her effortless and breezy style. Luna is perfect for the brand identity of the clothing line, having lived in Siargao for years now, surfing and running a boutique hotel under the name Villa Luna Siargao.

Setting out for the big waves

What is your life’s passion?
Surfing has become my greatest passion, and it’s a big part of why I chose to settle down in Siargao Island. Living here has shifted my mindset in a powerful way—the island gave me a new perspective, one rooted in mental and physical wellness. Happiness means living authentically with a clear and healthy mind. Siargao has a kind of magic to it, and the community here is full of love, respect, and gratitude. It feels like home—deeply healing and full of purpose.

Villa Luna Siargao

Tell us about Villa Luna Siargao.
I wouldn’t call it a resort and prefer to name it a “boutique villa.” I’ve poured my heart into every detail of the project, making sure it wasn’t just a villa but a reflection of who I am. The design, energy, and intention behind it had to align with what I love.

How many hours of sleep do you require?
Usually, I’m asleep before 9 p.m. and try to get at least 6 or 7 hours of rest every night. Good sleep is important for the active lifestyle I lead.

How do you keep fit?
My day starts with meditation before I surf or dive into any task or responsibility. It makes me more in tune with my body and mind and has taught me to approach everyday life with calm and clarity.

Dining out in Siargao

What is your favorite restaurant in Siargao?
Honestly, Siargao has so many interesting restaurants, but more than just the food, it’s the vibe. That’s what makes the dining experience here so special.

Gerry Lopez

Any television series or movies you’re into lately?
Surfing documentaries are tops. One of my most frequently watched is Gerry Lopez—his approach to surfing and life resonates with my character.

Lombok, Indonesia

What inspires you most?
Definitely, my travels. Each time I set foot in a new place, it becomes a fresh source of inspiration. I’ve been to 37 different countries in the world, but I’m always drawn to places where I can soak up a laid-back lifestyle. Lombok, Amed, and Sidemen in Indonesia are top-tier on my list. They’re still untouched in many ways and make you slow down and truly live in the moment.

Panthere de Cartier bracelet

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry?
Cartier—it’s timeless and effortlessly elegant. Occasionally, I’m also drawn to fashion accessories, mostly tropical and island-inspired pieces.

Luna Vdl in Oj Hofer’s classic design of a draped low back evening gown, cut in the bias, shimmering like liquid night.

Who are the fashion designers you admire?
There’s Michael Cinco and Vera Wang, but my personal favorites are Cebu-based designers Oj Hofer and Jun Escario. They understand how to make a woman feel powerful and at ease in her own skin.

Prime Target

Mia Durano: Shaping Art Into Brand

Mia Durano, Brand Manager of Qube Gallery, spends her daily grind immersed in strategy, curation, and marketing, all in service of shaping the gallery’s identity. Her role centers on transforming the art gallery experience into something not only culturally resonant but also marketable, bridging the gap between artistic vision and audience connection. At its core, her work is about building the brand—creating meaningful links between the art, the artists, and the community that surrounds them.

What is it that you love about your work?
That everything about it is the core of my background and nature. My work demands multiple objectives, and it’s all geared towards exploring and presenting the artworks of the gallery with their quality of being in good demand.

Are there any visual artists in the current scene that you champion?
I’m definitely a big fan of Sio Montera because his artworks are like feelings frozen in time. There’s also a series of mixed media collages in the gallery by an artist from Cavite — Melbourne Aquino. I’m obsessed with his images that seem to form words. More interestingly, they are names of colors in Filipino, but the words and colors do not necessarily match. It amuses me to no end, like a mental exercise.

Sio Montera

Melbourne Aquino

What book are you reading now?
Making It in the Art World by Brainard Carey. (Yes, seriously.)

What bag do you carry these days?
I usually switch between two categories: a utilitarian one — which is a black bucket bag from The Row, wherein I basically throw my whole life in it — and a fun bag, which I’m also very fond of.

Are you glued to any television series or movie at the moment?
Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV. It’s rich in detail and close to being real — highly recommended.

Is there a line from a novel or film that’s playing in your mind?
It’s from the film Before Sunset (1993). Celine, the female protagonist, has a line that says:
“If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something. I know it’s almost impossible to succeed but who cares really. The answer must be in the attempt.”

Do you wear a watch?
Yes — but embarrassingly, it’s a smartwatch. I’ll change if necessary or if my outfit demands it, but no sooner will I check the time on my phone instead.

What item of clothing feels most like you?
A black tailored halter-neck jumpsuit, wide-legged, made of suiting material and executed just for me. Not too casual, not quite formal — but somehow right.

What is your fave travel destination?

I used to live in Hanoi, so I’m really biased. It’s where I grew into myself. As for restaurant recommendations, the best locations are all found in the streets.

Any hip spot in Cebu that you can recommend?
Llula! Underrated food and great cocktails. Get the password from your close cool friend.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life that is so inspired that I have no defaults — except for beauty and kindness.

Prime Target

Mucho Garcia: Cebu to NYC — Living the Dream, One Role at a Time

Originally from Cebu City, graduated from Cebu International School, now living in New York City chasing the dream like most people there, but with a bit more sunscreen. Works regularly as an actor and commercial model. Recent work includes Xboom buds by Will I AM for LG Electronics and Mike and Ike’s candy. Also appeared in an LGBTQ+ web series called Freak and Donna.

What was the latest play you watched on Broadway or Off-Broadway?

Sunset Boulevard. I have never seen anything like it, and I’m so proud of Nicole Scherzinger for being Filipino and recently winning a Tony for her performance.

Nicole Scherzinger stuns in Sunset Boulevard — a Tony-winning performance that redefines Broadway brilliance.

Favorite pop star and what song particularly?

I’m really into an all-girl group from 88rising called NO NA from Indonesia, and their song Shoot is a bop. I love how they infuse old-school R&B with their sound.

NO NA is 88rising’s rising girl group from Indonesia — Christy, Esther, Baila, and Shaz bringing the heat.

Is there a movie or a series on television that you’re glued to?

Yes, I’m obsessed with the X trilogy (X, Pearl, and MaXXXine) from A24.

A24 cult-hit X trilogy — X, Pearl, and the newly released MaXXXine. Cinematic chaos, beauty, and blood all in one timeline.

What is your favorite restaurant in New York?

Emily in the West Village. Their burger and pizza are sooo good.

Emily in the West Village — home of the burger dreams are made of (and the pizza’s not playing either).

Travel destination that you can recommend?

Seoul, South Korea — been there three times and it never gets old. From K-pop to cafes and food, Korea’s always a vibe. Love it jud, lol.

What’s the watch you’re wearing now?

It’s the Xiaomi Smart Band 9.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Is there a quote from a writer or a line from a song that’s constantly playing in your mind?

“Getty Images won’t take a pic of me yet
They lost my invitation for the Met.
In another minute, I’ll be coming up next
They just- just- just don’t know about me yet.”
— Getty Images by CHI CHI (Cecilia Gault)

Which living person do you admire?

Ariana Grande, especially with her getting an Oscar nomination for Wicked last year.

Popstar and actress, Ariana Grande.

Do you wear a scent?

Cloud by Ariana Grande.

Ariana Grande’s iconic scent — Cloud, dreamy, soft, and instantly recognizable.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Feeling creatively fulfilled, surrounded by people who inspire me, and waking up every day in the city I love—knowing I’m doing what I was meant to do.