Meet Cebu’s Young Creatives of 2016.
Language Leaders
Rowell “Medyo Maldito” Ucat, Kurt Fick, and Therese Villarante
Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Therese Villarante, Rowell Ucat and Kurt Fick are Cebu-based creative professionals making a big splash in their hometown through their individual and collaborative works.
Whether she performing in a production of Siddharta: The Musical, or writing music for the Visayan Pop (VisPop) songwriting competition, Therese is a ray of sunshine for the local creative art scene. Rowell Ucat is more popularly known as Medyo Maldito, and is one of the most prolific YouTube celebrities in Cebu today, thanks to his increasingly popular hugot videos. Kurt Fick‘s rise to superstardom with HAHAHAhasula— a song he directed, edited and performed—has opened people’s eyes to the beauty of Cebuano music and storytelling. – Verne Ahyong
Music’s Muses
Lourdes Maglinte, Vincent Eco, and Nina Alcoseba
Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Let’s face it. Music in our precious city needs a drastic makeover. Nobody knows this more than 22 Tango Records, an independent local record label determined to address this conundrum head on.
22 Tango Records is home to some of Cebu’s most talented homegrown musicians and songwriters, like Lourdes Maglinte who is great at coming up with witty, albeit painfully true, punch lines in everything she writes and sings; and Vincent Eco, who you can always count on for truthful lyrics that open up wounds and folk melodies that touch the soul. And then there’s Nina Alcoseba, a free spirit with a good head on her shoulders who is easily the ultimate multitasker of the street team—she writes, takes photos, coordinates with artists, and even hosts some of the events. – Micah Almazan
People in Action
Ernest Dino and Charlene Virlouvet
Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Whether acting on stage or filming from behind the scenes, Charlene Virlouvet and Ernest Dino are reinvigorating theater and independent film in Cebu.
Charlene was 13 years old when she fell in love with theater, when her mother enrolled her in the Out of the Box Theater summer program run by Daisy Baad. That same year, Charlene joined a local production of The Vagina Monologues, and since then has chosen live theater as her weapon of choice to promote her advocacies. Ernest, meanwhile, started filmmaking in college while earning his political science degree at the University of the Philippines-Cebu. His film group is named Retaso Media, and it is also the title of his film that won third place at the 2014 Binisaya Film Festival. – Verne Ahyong
Creative Clique
Myka Arnado, Cecilia Martinez, Bea Sagun, Kae Batiquin, and Mirella Gallego
Photography by Mark Philip Dales/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Calling themselves a social movement, Create Cebu aims to promote a more livable Cebu through public art, and to showcase Cebuano creativity and encourage a culture of creation and open expression. They also hope to build a bridge between art and the community—to infuse art into Cebu’s public spaces in order to make it accessible to all. Truly a passion project, these young Cebuanas believe in creating brighter, more livable urban spaces where the rich Cebuano history, identity and culture are visibly alive in the city. – Bea Ybanez
Food Friends
Seby Pelaez and Mitz Vikki Jao
Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
The convenience of having your food cravings immediately delivered to your door is now possible with foodpanda, a downloadable app that connects you to your favorite restaurants with a few taps. Whether you’re craving spicy lechon for a hearty lunch or cold milk tea on a hot afternoon, foodpanda brings your favorite dishes right to your doorstep.
Launched in March 2012, foodpanda has headquarters in Germany and is now in 40 countries worldwide. By 2014, it had made its way to the Philippines and finally reached Cebu by November of that year. Sebastian Pelaez takes care of leading the team in all aspects of the business—from acquiring new restaurants, to marketing the product on online and offline channels, and overseeing that all service hits the guaranteed delivery time, while Mitz Vikki Jao is in charge of introducing the brand to the public—a feat deemed successful, considering the app’s popularity today. – Carlo Rivera
Bazaar BFFs
Charmaine de Leon and Ruby Pansoy
Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Young architecture graduate Charmaine de Leon was at a music event, walking by the stalls that were peddling a wide assortment of wares—from the most basic items to the quirkiest fashion finds, from unique culinary creations to dessert favorites—when she had her token “eureka!” moment.
Despite the huge crowd present, there wasn’t much foot traffic along these said stalls. Understandably so, because people don’t really go to a music festival to shop. There surely must be a better setting to showcase their products, Charmaine thought, so she rounded up friends Ruby Pansoy and Monica Posadas. Together they came up with what would later on be called the Pop District Bazaar, which has provided Cebuanos with a unique shopping experience, while opening up new opportunities for young entrepreneurs to reach their market and go after their dreams. – Bea Ybanez
Dance Troupe
Mac Viros, French Manla, Jasper Borres, Joshua Cypres, Arnel Biscarra, Coody Rodriguez, Gian Chua, and Yan Perez
Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
It’s hard not to get caught up in the beat when you’re watching a group of dancers perform—synchronized, upbeat and just plain energetic, it’s enough to make you wish you could move like that yourself. Such is the feeling when watching Cruise Control perform. With various gigs that include regular performances at SM Seaside City, the group of boys has shown that they’re all about the movement, and they’ve got the fans to prove it. – Shari Quimbo
Hyper Active
Arianna Lozada, Adam Hechanova, Bryan Tan, Matthew Basabe, and Arianne Albia
Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
In developing individual personalities, Hyper Cebu is made up of a team with a unified desire to bring topnotch entertainment to Cebu—with events that are well planned out, affordable and readily accessible. Their shows feature new waves of music introduced by a wide lineup of DJs. The group also aspires to contribute to the local economy by drawing more tourists to the venue, and incessantly promoting Cebu culture and hospitality. – Carlo Rivera
Design Dossier
Kidlat and Jean Candice Yu
Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016
Cebu City has a vibrant art scene, but there is more art to experience in Cebu than those found in museums and galleries. Street art can now be viewed all over the city, thanks to Kidlat and his fellow artists, while calligraphy as created by Jean Candice Yu now appears on everything from corporate logos to wedding invitations. – Verne Ahyong
photography Toni Marie Despojo, Dan Douglas Ong, and Mark Philip Dales makeup by Janice Barillo and Arnauld hair by Gino Fonghe shot on location at Unos Design
]]>X, as his friends would call him, made a name for himself in the blogging world. His flair for words, fashion, and food prompted him to create his own dotcom even before blogging became a trend. Twenty blogs down the road and the rest, as they usually say, is history.
Xerxes Bernadez, the unconventional florist (Photography by Mark Philip Dales, grooming by Arnauld/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
An innate entrepreneur, X has dabbled in different businesses. Blogging is now a way for him to earn passively while making his way into other profitable projects. He has a spa and a wedding-giveaway business with friends and is still on the hunt for more ventures.
A drawback led X to pursue the fragrant world of flowers. When his partners backed out of an investment on a physical shop, X dove head first in operating the business.
Maison des Fleurs Cebu was born out of X’s go-getter attitude. With little knowledge of flowers but armed with an eagerness to learn, he set out to study floral arrangements. He researched, read e-books, took webinars, and trained with florists to master the craft by heart. It didn’t take long before he discovered his own magic touch with blooms.
Two days before Valentine’s last year, he soft opened his flower shop and was flooded with more than 50 orders of bouquets that he had to arrange on his own. This put him on the spot and honed his newly-acquired skill.
A year after, X still does everything for Maison des Fleurs Cebu. From the arrangement down to marketing and logistics, his is a one-man flower shop.
His savviness in business and passion for the online platform led him to create a unique business model for Maison des Fleurs Cebu. X has a physical shop in Talamban, Cebu City and a website where he delivers anywhere in the country. Flowers Café Cebu, the online component of the flower shop, allows him to reach more customers and spread the love to greater regions by positioning his shop to cater to every budget and need.
A set-up by Xerxes (Photo courtesy of Maison de Fleurs Cebu)
However, he is not your usual right-brained creative. He admits that his floral shop is backed by research and a sound business plan. He knows his market well and understands that balance is the key in the tough world of creative entrepreneurship. “Passion is nothing if you don’t do research,” he adds.
An unconventional florist, X calls himself rebellious. He mixes both classical and modern designs to create his fragrant masterpieces. He does not focus on a trend and believes style is personal and cannot be attached to the ever-changing trend. “Flowers are avenues for me to explore my artistry,” X thoughtfully noted.
His creative process? Stare at the flowers. Enjoy their colors and fragrance; and, be inspired by these objects of beauty. Clients also pitch in their ideas to create floral arrangements that are personal and unique. X ensures that every flower delivered is different from the next so an extraordinary design comes with every order. “I want to give a different flavor to each table,” he said.
But X also digresses. As an artist, he says, one needs inspiration. With a secret formula up his sleeves, he has a weapon on days when the muse is nowhere to be found. Sprinkling a few personal touches here and there, his creation is complete and ready to be delivered.
With his versatility and imagination, he continues to tread uncharted territories while pushing his boundaries. His defiance against the norm of floral arrangement is taking him to greater blooms. Expect a lot from this hungry up-and-coming florist. He is a dreamer who sees greater things for the future in the fragrant world of flowers.
MAISON DE FLEURS
Gov. M. Cuenco, Talamban
63. 929 798 2124 | website
photography Mark Philip Dales grooming Arnauld hair Gino Fonghe
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
Zee Lifestyle‘s June 2016 Beauty Issue: Luna van der Linden and Lotte Edwards (photography by JON UNSON/styling by BLAQ MAFIA/makeup by LOLA LEY and SUMIE BELBACHIR/hair by JESSIE EGOS/shot on location at the BE GRAND RESORT BOHOL)
On the cover, gorgeous and stylish sisters Luna van der Linden and Lotte Edwards share a peek into the lives of being twins as they soak up the last rays of the summer sun at the beautiful Be Grand Resort in Bohol.
Along with the twins’ take on beauty and wellness, industry insiders such as makeup artist Erika Diaz, MAC Cosmetics’ Vanessa Vergara, Beauty & Beyond’s Jasmin Sarmiento and beauty columnist Joanna Cuenco divulge their daily regimens and beauty kit must-haves; while fitspirations Brenda Magno, Rose Hennessy, Susanne Cobonpue and Zach Elisha Go shed the light on various fitness routines. On the dining front, The Anzani Group’s Kate Dychangco-Anzani and Diet in a Box’s Chime Bosabel and Bibo Moreno prove that healthy eating can be quite delicious as well; and Beauty & Beyond, Marie France Bodyline International, Calayan Medical Group and Sheena Skin & Wellness uncover the science of beauty.
This month, Zee Lifestyle also pays tribute to Cebu’s top makeup artists. Usually found behind the scenes and making models and personalities look amazing on our pages, this issue finds Arnauld, Janice Barillo, Raisa Bercede, Chady Pantaleon, Emi Ayag, Jonas Borces, Gari Son and Wenwen Zaspa showcasing their best works on their favorite muses Jen Martinez, Christelle Dychangco, Anna Karenina Tan, Ava Kristine Rosello, Kris Janson, Christine Fernandez, Carla del Prado and Stephanie Sitoy.
Read all these and more on Zee Lifestyle’s Beauty Issue, out next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here or download Magzter on your mobile device.
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ON AMANDA: Black lace body con dress by JUN ESCARIO, multi-strand pearl necklace from SM ACCESSORIES / ON IZZARA: White tie-up blouse and maxi skirt by JUN ESCARIO, multi-strand chain necklace and silver rings from SM ACCESSORIES. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
On the day I’m seeing Amanda Booth and Izzara Ugarte for a casual production meeting before the Fashion Issue’s cover shoot, the traffic on A.S. Fortuna is particularly vicious and I’m running late. “No worries, I just got here,” Amanda texts me. I find her a few minutes later sipping coffee and looking incredibly chic in her sleek ponytail, white button-down and black jeans.
Even though she has been studying marketing for just a year at The American University of Paris, the classic Parisian style has clearly seeped into Amanda’s persona. She had always been well dressed and now that she’s back for the summer, her style is a little bit more polished than the average 19-year old.
It’s a study in contrasts, then, when her cousin Izza walks into the coffee shop, the epitome of laid-back style with her long hair, peasant blouse and white shorts. “I had to take my brother to the airport, and the traffic is just horrible,” she explains, sitting down next to Amanda. For her part, Izza is in town after her year at the University of San Francisco, before flying to Spain to continue her hospitality management course at Les Roches Marbella.
In between discussing the looks and location (“We’d like to have the shoot at Bluewater Maribago, because we really grew up there,” Izza says), the two exchange anecdotes on how they were preparing for the fashion shoot. “We were looking through old issues of Zee, trying to do the poses all the models were doing,” Amanda laughs, and they both strike a common model pose—one hand on the hip, shoulder popped and sultry gaze—before bursting into a fit of laughter.
“We can’t do that!” Izza exclaims. “It’s just not us.”
In some ways, Amanda and Izza do look like opposites—Amanda’s fair complexion and light dusting of freckles are a striking complement to Izza’s tanned skin and sun-kissed glow. But when they’re together and cracking jokes, it’s hard to tell where one girl ends and the other begins.
“Amanda is my partner in crime,” Izza declares. “I’ve known her since we were in diapers so it’s very difficult to pinpoint the earliest memory. When we were toddlers, our yayas were sisters. During family events and birthday parties, we would always sit beside each other, with one hand on a barbecue stick and the other spaghetti. We had the same taste and love for food—I always knew she was a keeper.”
Growing up together meant years of shared anecdotes, and both girls have a number of funny stories to tell. “Once Izza, both our younger brothers and I watched Goosebumps together, and they couldn’t sleep that night,” Amanda recalls with a laugh. “Izza’s mom called my mom the next morning because Izza and her brother said that I had coerced them into watching it since I was the oldest in the group. I ended up getting grounded while the three others got away scot-free!”
ON AMANDA: Backless dress by JUN ESCARIO, necklace with bead florets, earrings and bracelet set from SM ACCESSORIES. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
It was especially important for both girls to have the cover shoot at Bluewater Maribago because they say, in many instances, it was the scene of the crime. “Some of my earliest memories of Izza are running around soaking wet from the pool and then sneaking into the kitchen barefoot in our bikinis,” Amanda shares. “All we wanted was to be little elves to the pastry chefs and we would get kicked out of the kitchen! But we always managed to sneak out a few treats.”
Their escapades at the resort included selling buko juice to guests, hunting down Easter eggs the night before the egg hunt and even a few recent injuries. “We used to ride salbabidas (floaters) all day,” Izza says. “A few years ago, we were on the salbabida drifting on the water. Amanda toppled me and kicked me in the face! My nose bled for 20 minutes and my upper lip bruised so badly.”
These days, the girls are a bit more subdued than they were ten years ago, and it clearly shows in how Izza makes sure everything in the resort goes smoothly for the photo shoot. The daughter of David Ugarte and June Alegrado, whose family owns the resort, Izza and her siblings have been helping out in Bluewater’s operations for years. It’s part of the reason why she decided to take up hospitality management in her further studies. “I believe that tourism plays a huge role in any country,” she says. “Hospitality management is tourism. It’s the plane you fly, the boat you take, the food you eat and the place you stay. It’s a diverse course.”
Amanda, a scion of the family behind Mehitabel Furniture, is the daughter of Robert Aboitiz Booth and Tamsin Jackson Booth. “It’s on the creative side, which I think I would be good at. My parents have always thought I’ve had a good eye for things,” she says about deciding to take up marketing in Paris. “I’ve always been interested in media, communications, PR. Besides that, marketing is vital to all industries, so you know you can always get a job with a marketing degree.”
Although they grew up in Cebu, the duo has been living out of the country for years now since leaving to finish high school at boarding schools in the US—Izza in Connecticut and Amanda in California. It’s made them more independent than most people their age, and ready to take on the challenges of their new cities of residence.
“Before I went away, I didn’t even know how to do laundry! That’s one of the first things my mom had to teach me,” Amanda admits. “I am so much more independent now than I was three years ago. It’s funny because now grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do. I love living on my own and doing everything at my own pace.”
“I’ve matured a lot,” Izza agrees. “I’ve come to realize that being shy and not trying to truly express how I feel was a waste of time. We only get one life—say how you feel. No one grows up and becomes an adult, not even our parents. Time just flies by as we strive to be and do our best. All of a sudden, we’re older and adults.” She pauses for a bit and laughs. “I am veering away from the subject, but yes, I have definitely grown personally.”
ON IZZARA: Nude satin dress from JONES NEW YORK, beaded choker and necklace with gem details from SM ACCESSORIES (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
These little glimpses prove that, through their independent endeavors, the 19-year-olds in them is still very much present—particularly in their eagerness to explore their respective cities. “In San Francisco, when I wasn’t in school, I would be going to different districts with my friends. The city was our playground, and I don’t doubt that Spain will be different,” Izza enthuses. “I will continuously expand my knowledge even outside of school. Spain is so rich in historical events and traditions. Aside from the history, Marbella is right next to the coast so I’ll have the beach 15 minutes away, which is awesome!”
The City of Lights is Amanda’s own playground, and she’s found it very much like her hometown. “There’s a laid-back lifestyle. It’s a big city and people do rush around, of course, but people have such a calm way of going about their lives,” she says. “But people in Paris don’t smile like they do in Cebu.” In the past year, her days have been exploring the city in between her classes and homework. “When it’s warm out, we’d go to a park and have a picnic, but in the winter, my friends and I would go to a café and just sit, talk and people-watch for hours.”
With Marbella and Paris just a short distance away, the cousins are already thinking of weekend trips to each other’s cities. “It’s all we’ve been talking about,” Amanda admits. “We’ll finally be able to be together for each others’ birthday! We haven’t planned any trip yet, but we’ll visit each other, and then we’ll get to other places. This is a whole new adventure for us.”
“We’ve been separated for way too long. For three years, we’ve lived on different coasts, then different countries,” Izza adds. “It’s awesome that we will soon be so close to each other. I’ve never been to Paris, and I am excited to finally go.”
“WhatsApp used to be our best friend,” Amanda says of the time they were living away from each other. “Skype, not so much. Whenever we get a bad connection—which is all the time—we hang up, get back on WhatsApp and blame each other for the bad internet connection.”
“We’re too lazy,” Izza laughs. “Instead, we’ll send voicemails to each other. I remember I was waiting for a pizza outside my USF dorm and I was freezing cold—and I was in shorts, don’t ask why—and I was sending Amanda voicemails and pictures. Technology just makes everything so simple.”
Both girls agree that being away from family is one of the hardest things about living abroad, so it’s comforting to know that someone you’re close to is just a few hours away. “There’s a certain comfort you get from being home that you don’t realize exists until you’re away for a long time,” Amanda says. “For me, that comfort is in my family. They always know how to make me happy.”
That’s why, Amanda goes on to explain, that summers of the past few years have been completely dedicated to spending time in Cebu. “I can travel when I leave here,” she says. “For now, it’s great to be able to catch up with everyone, go out around the city or head for the beach.”
That’s not to say they don’t wish for the little luxuries they’d already gotten used to while being away from Cebu. While Amanda yearns for Paris’ food and street markets, Izza misses something a bit simpler. “Being able to watch Netflix in bed,” she admits. “They need to set up servers in the Philippines.”
ON IZZARA: Maxi dress with tie-back crop top by BARBIE ALVEZ, multi-strand chain necklace from SM ACCESSORIES. ON AMANDA: Backless halter dress by BARBIE ALVEZ, gold bracelet, sculptural woven cuff and gold rings from SM ACCESSORIES. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
The day of the shoot finds the beds of one of Bluewater Maribago’s villas completely covered in designer clothes and SM Accessories collated especially for the cover shoot. With the variety of items laid out, the girls—hair pinned up and munching on Tostitos and chocolate truffles—look through the collection as they discuss with the stylists the different looks.
“I love full skirts, pantsuits and minimalist dresses—the classics,” Amanda says, admiring the floral prints of a backless halter gown by Barbie Alvez. “My family likes to joke that I’m an old soul.”
Izza shrugs. “My mom says I dress too rugged. Is that what you’d call my personal style?”
That wasn’t always the case, though. “Izza and I have pretty much switched roles,” Amanda laughs. “She was the extremely girly one and I was the little tomboy when we were younger. She always had her hair done up in nice braids and always wore cutesy clothes, while I had a short boy cut because I couldn’t keep my hair from being a mess; and I strutted my stuff in bikini bottoms and no top!”
“She was the most bugoy person I knew,” Izza agrees. “Nowadays, I don’t even brush my hair and I just throw on the first thing I see, while it takes Amanda forever to get ready. Seriously, you have to tell her plans a day before.”
“Now, Amanda’s very classy. She knows what she’s doing,” Izza continues. “But if you really get to know her, she has a super kiat personality. She is not that reserved.”
“She’s definitely very boho,” Amanda says about her cousin. “She’s always in loose, printed dresses. She always wears sandals. Her style is very laid-back—perfect for Cebu!”
ON AMANDA: Backless dress by JUN ESCARIO, necklace with bead florets, earrings and bracelet set from SM ACCESSORIES. ON IZZARA: Nude satin dress from JONES NEW YORK, beaded choker and necklace with gem details from SM ACCESSORIES. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
As they go through the accessories, they help mix and match the items that would suit their outfits and their own personal style. With a wide collection that includes jewelry, bags, home decor, and others, SM Accessories is a growing repository for fashionable accents at reasonable price points. As the fashion accessories authority, SM Accessories features a wide range of jewelry, eyewear, belts, bags and a lot more that are carefully selected by a team of fashion experts to complete any fashion statement.
“During the day, my favorite accessory is my pair of pearl earrings,” Amanda shares, which made the multi-strand pearl necklace a perfect match for her Jun Escario lace dress. Its sophisticated and ladylike look was a fit to Amanda’s classic style. “Sometimes I’ll wear diamond studs at night. When I’m back in Paris, my favorite thing to wear is a brooch. I always have my gold medallion around my neck, a gift to me from my parents.”
That sentimentality is something Izza also shares in her choice of trinkets. “I wear four accessories all day, everyday—a gold ring from my brother’s girlfriend, Nikki; my grandmother Marle’s favorite ring and earrings; and my medallion. Those are my favorites.” From delicate thin rings to a pair of thick gold ones connected together with a light chain, the collection of rings were elegantly playful on Izza’s manicured fingers. “Nail Play!” she laughs, showing off her nude manicure and referring to the nail salon her and Amanda’s mom owned together with a group of friends.
It seems, though, that the similarities in dressing up end there. Asked if they borrow each other’s clothes, and both girls burst out in laughter. “No!” Amanda says. “We look at what the other is wearing and we go, ‘oh wow, I could never pull that off.’”
“She left a pair of shorts in my house, and I have claimed them as my own. Does that count?” Izza jokes. Amanda adds, “She’s had them for five years and counting.”
When it’s time to dress up, the two are supportive of local designers, with Izza naming Mia Arcenas, Jun Escario and Oj Hofer as her favorites and Amanda acknowledging Hanz Coquilla as her go-to. “Internationally, my favorite designer is Raf Simons,” Amanda adds. “Every piece he creates for Dior is breathtaking.”
Decidedly very different in terms of personal style—best exemplified by the favorite things in their closet, Amanda names a red wool Prada dress that “looks like it’s straight out of the 1950s” while Izza’s answer is a T-shirt and Nike shorts—the two have a connection that transcends the cousin bond. Despite being apart for long stretches, every time the two are in the same city, they pick up right where they left off.
ON AMANDA: Backless halter dress by BARBIE ALVEZ, gold bracelet, sculptural woven cuff and gold rings from SM ACCESSORIES. ON IZZARA: Maxi dress with tie-back crop top by BARBIE ALVEZ, multi-strand chain necklace from SM ACCESSORIES. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle August-September 2015: Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
“We’ll just watch TV shows or do a movie marathon together while eating santol and green mango. It’s one of the first things we do when we’re both back in Cebu,” Amanda says. “We love going on adventures. We once drove to Carcar in the middle of the night, and just stopped to eat at different places on the way. I guess you could say our favorite thing to do together is eat.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I can say anything else,” Izza agrees. “I’ll text her and we would be craving the same cuisines. I found this Buzzfeed quiz online called, What Famous Disney Duo Represents You and Your BFF. I sent it to Amanda while she was in Paris—we both got Timon and Pumba.”
The easy relationship these two have is backed by years of shared experiences and a genuine appreciation for being in each other’s lives. Amanda admits that Izza is the one who got her to come out of her shell. “She’s always said it isn’t worth hiding in the background and letting everything pass you by. It’s something I’ve always struggled with but I’ve come a long way with her help, and I love her for it,” she says. “Izza’s just so lighthearted, so unbothered by everything. I love laughing with her—she has the most genuine and contagious laugh.”
“No one can tolerate my mood swings better than Amanda,” Izza shares on her end. “And I admire her effortless grace. No matter what is going on in her life, she manages to look flawless. She is a great support system and is always there for anyone who needs it, so she’s the mother of the group.”
As the pair bounce off to the bathroom to help each other change into their shoot’s first look, it’s clear that Amanda and Izza will find their shared stories only growing exponentially in the next years. In spite of the different directions their lives take them on, they remain rooted in their friendship—though friendship may seem to be too light a word. “I know that no matter what life throws at us, we will always have each other,” Izza says with a smile. “Always. We are sisters.”
by Shari Quimbo photography Dan Douglas Ong stylists Blaq Mafia makeup Arnauld hair Carlos Conde locale Bluewater Maribago all accessories by SM Accessories
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, August-September 2015
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Get this sultry, dramatic look in just nine simple steps
Step 1: Skin Primer
STEP 1: SKIN PRIMER
Every great look starts with a great base. Prep your entire face using MAC PREP+PRIME Skin Base Visage.
This lightweight gel lotion is formulated with special-effect silicones that neutralizes redness and evens out your skin tone while making you look radiant. It also improves the application of foundation.
After applying, let it set for a minute or two.
Step 2: Foundation
STEP 2: FOUNDATION
Apply MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID Liquid Foundation.
Comfortable and long-wearing, this product combines a natural matte finish and medium-to-full build able coverage. It also protects your skin from the sun with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15. It blends easily and evenly, minimizing the appearance of pores and imperfections for a more flawless look.
This product is best for oily skin. It comes in 36 shades.
Step 3: Concealer
STEP 3: CONCEALER
Conceal flaws, skin discolorations and dark spots such as under eye circles using MAC PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER.
This fluid concealer, available in 16 shades, provides medium-to-full coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts up to 15 hours.
Step 4: Eye Shadow (Base)
STEP 4: EYE SHADOW (BASE)
The MAC PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT is a long-wearing blendable cream shadow that can be worn alone or with other products. It also serves as concealer and eye primer, making the colors of your eyeshadow pop out more.
This product, available in 26 different shades, builds coverage without looking heavy or cake, and will not streak or crease. Here, Arnauld uses the Paint Pot in Painterly.
Step 5: Eye Shadow (Crease)
STEP 5: EYE SHADOW (CREASE)
Apply MAC EYE SHADOW (pictured: Paradisco) on the crease of the eye to create definition. You may also apply it to the entire eyelid, depending on the style you prefer.
This highly-pigmented powder blends evenly and can be used wet and dry.
Step 6: Eye Shadow (Defining)
STEP 6: EYE SHADOW (DEFINING)
Overlay a darker shade using a cat-eye effect, and blend well over the crease. Arnauld uses the Espresso shade to create a more dramatic look.
Step 7: Eyebrows & Eyelashes
STEP 7: EYEBROWS & EYELASHES
Define your eyes with eyeliner. The MAC FLUIDLINE in Blacktrack provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. The product goes on foolproof with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Arnauld suggests applying this to your lash line using MAC brush in 266, 209 or 210.
After the eyeliner, open the eyes further with the EXTENDED PLAY LASH MASCARA, a waterproof formula that lasts for up to 16 hours. Press the wand into the lashes as close to the roots as possible, and ‘shimmy’ the brush from root to tip. Continue to build until the desired effect is achieved.
Complete the look with the FLUID BROW GELCREME in True Brunette. This is a long-wearing waterproof gel in a pot that gives precise definition to eyebrows. Apply this product using the MAC brush in 208.
Step 8: Blush, Contour & Highlighting
STEP 8: BLUSH, CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT
To achieve a natural looking shade, apply MAC POWDER BLUSH (pictured: Harmony) to cheeks, making sure to avoid harsh lines. You can also use this shade to contour at the same time.
Add a high-impact shimmering glow to the skin with MAC EXTRA DIMENSION HIGHLIGHTER (pictured, Whisper of Gilt). Sweep this formula to the upper cheeks, to the temple, and to the tip of your nose to sculpt and highlight your face. This leaves a luminous and well-defined finish.
Step 9: Lipstick & Finishing Touches
STEP 9: LIPSTICK AND FINISHING TOUCHES
Lip pencil is necessary for shaping, lining, or filling in lips. Arnauld applies the MAC LIP PENCIL in Trust in Red directly to the lips as a base. Then he applies MAC LIPSTICK in Diva using the MAC brush 313 for a clean and polished look.
Complete the holiday glam look with the MAC PREP+PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER. This is a silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup.
The result: A glamorous look perfect for the holidays
MAC Cosmetics are available at Rustan’s, Ayala Center Cebu
Arnauld is available for bookings. Visit his Facebook page or Instagram account.
makeup artist Arnauld produced by AM&Co model April of Prestige Modeling Agency
]]>It’s that time of the year again when the vaginas are coming… to Cebu, that is. Production company 2tincans Philippines, Inc. has been granted the rights for a V-Day Cebu presentation of The Vagina Monologues to raise money and awareness for local organizations that work to stop violence against women and girls.
The award-winning play is based on V-Day founder and playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace, the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength.
Through this play and the liberation of the word ‘vagina’, countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives. For more than sixteen years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.
With a script that has, for the most part, remained unchanged, the challenge is how to put on a different show every time. This year’s producing artistic director, Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson has assembled a diverse cast of 20 women to bring the Monologues to life—Joan Saniel-Amit, Maxi Bolongaita, Laurie Boquiren, Cattski, Pami Estalilla, Bea Evardone, Chai Fonacier, Margo Frasco, Deborah Hayes, Candice Hintz, Gem Icamen, Gingging Navarro-Laude, Aleah Lim, Regal Oliva, Andrea Pateña, Stephanie Sitoy, Patty Taboada, Brazzy Valdez, Charlene Virlouvet and Jo-Ann Zaldumbide.
“With The Vagina Monologues being known more than ever as a successful, award-winning play, it is important to see that vagina monologues happen everyday,” says Enclona-Henderson, who first brought The Vagina Monologues to Cebu back in 2001. “The stories are real and both women and men need to hear them.”
This year’s production will be for the benefit of Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc., a local non-government organization focused on helping the urban poor families and supporting women’s causes.
The V-Day Cebu 2015 production of The Vagina Monologues is supported by The Henry Hotel, 22 Tango Records, Candice Hintz Photography, Castilex Industrial Corp., Hair by Gino Fonghe, Isidra Comfort Cantina, Jamaica Markets Corp. Koncepto Events, Makeup by Arnauld, MyAdvocacy, Saraban and Your House Doctors. Media partners include Y101 Always First and Zee Lifestyle.
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Directed by Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson
8:00 p.m. on May 23 and 30, 2015
Space 150, The Henry Hotel
For tickets and other queries, call 6332. 512 3134 or 260 7080.
Like V-Day Cebu on Facebook.
Meet the cast of this year’s The Vagina Monologues
sittings editor Patty Taboada photography Candice Hintz graphics Ehds Javier makeup Arnauld hair Gino Fonghe locale The Henry Hotel
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