The wedding industry, together with twenty of Cebu’s leading as well as emerging fashion designers just made a glorious comeback in one magnificent fashion show, The Brides at Triton last March 12, 2022 at the Triton Grand Ballroom of the only 5-star premier resort & water park in the Philippines, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu, in partnership with Danny Villarante, Emi Ayag and Cary Santiago.
Let’s take a closer look at the exquisite bridal couture dresses showcased at the fashion show:
Anthony Romoff
Anthony Romoff
Arnu Poe Camay
Arnu Poe Camay
Cary Santiago
Cary Santiago
Cary Santiago
Cary Santiago
Dexter Alazas
Dexter Alazas
Dino Lloren
Dino Lloren
Edwin Alba
Edwin Alba
Edwin Ao
Edwin Ao
Edwin Ao
Hanz Coquilla
Hanz Coquilla
Harley Ruedas
Harley Ruedas
Jun Escario
Jun Escario
Marichu Tan
Marichu Tan
Mel Maria
Mel Maria
Mike Yapching
Mike Yapching
A tribute was made for Philip Rodriguez’ 40th year in the fashion industry
Philip Rodriguez
Philip Rodriguez
Philipp Tampus
Philipp Tampus
Protacio
Protacio
Rei Escario
Rei Escario
Ronald Enrico
Ronald Enrico
Valerie Alvez
Valerie Alvez
Wendell Quisido
Wendell Quisido
]]>
by Allain Dumon Fonte
The history of trade dates back to the oldest civilization. People had to cross seas or travel far and wide to get their needs in exchange for anything valuable. The ancient ways of conducting business led to the development of new cultures and new societies, as merchants settled in foreign lands and discovered new places to expand their enterprises. However, in the now, businessmen neither need to travel far and wide, nor cross seas; with just a scroll and click, a business transaction is signed, sealed, and delivered. Doing business at the comfort of one’s home, office, bedroom, or even on the favorite couch, is brought about by the advancement of mobile apps.
So, how do mobile apps shape the way businesses perform? First, on the list is the improved, more accurate, and faster means of communication. Before, we needed to send mails or electronic mails to communicate agreements and to pass back and forth contracts. This means that communication takes time, and for the message to get crossed. Moreover, there are high risks of losing the message along the way. However, with mobile apps, it is easier and faster to communicate with your clients and business partners. Best Business apps have got special features where sellers and buyers can chat or call each other. Some apps even allow business owners to meet with their office staff online and discuss or plan strategies to market and enhance operations. Hence, the comfort of working remotely.
Entrepreneur and stylographer, Dexter Alazas, works as a fashion designer, manages a modelling and talent agency, and curates events for Cebu’s major brands. Alazas is very grateful to modern technologies. With a mobile app that is especially programmed for his business, he can easily communicate with clients and remotely meet with staff. At any time, clients can leave her a message, and these messages are sent to his mobile phone and email address. With this, no messages can be left unread; even if he is in Boracay for a holiday.
Entrepreneur and stylographer, Dexter Alazas
The second benefit is the agile mobile technology. Mobile apps are easy to update, and programmers are working constantly to find ways that their mobile apps become as user-friendly as possible. Mobile apps are also consistently reviewed with their functionality, speed, and comfort. The consistent reviews allow programmers to continuously improve their apps. For example, with the Gcash app, Alazas is able to compensate his staff or talents directly to their banks or gcash accounts. Alazas’ clients also find it faster to pay him through the Gcash app. Plus, the Lalamove app is a big help to Alazas and his clients because it saves them the time to travel to and from the shop. With the Lalamove app, Alazas can have his clients’ orders delivered straight to their homes.
Third benefit is mobile sales and mobile marketing. Mobile apps can include features like emails, calendars, campaign management solutions, and they are even linked to social media platforms. This allows the business owners to have a wider reach of customers as their businesses can be advertised online. These apps also allow businesses to reach out and maintain a pool of interested clients by taking advantage of online search engines. When someone searches on the Pinterest app about bridal dresses, photos of Alazas’ bridal collection appear. This helps Alazas connect with potential clients.
After interviewing 50 entrepreneurs in Cebu, these are their most loved and most used mobile apps that help them make their business operations much smoother, especially during the pandemic.
1. Gcash – this mobile app even supersedes the comfort of online banking. Anyone can easily transfer and receive cash at any time of the day. Transactions are fast and instant. Unlike banks, anyone can cash in and cash out from 24 hours Gcash service centers like 7/11 and mini stop shops. The only thing that our entrepreneurs do not like about this app are the transaction fees. Rating this app with 4.5 stars out of 5
2. Grab – is a delivery app that ties up mostly with restaurants. Many of our food entrepreneurs confessed that their sales have increased significantly with the help of the Grab app. During the strict lockdowns where most establishments are closed, it was the Grab app that keep their businesses running because people ordered food through the app. The only hiccup is on the delay of the delivery of goods. Many of our food entrepreneurs receive complaints of delayed services. Our entrepreneurs rate this app 4 out of stars.
3. Lalamove – is another delivery mobile app which is mostly used by businessmen to have their items delivered to their customers because it has fast services and accurate maps. Because of the strict quarantine protocols during the pandemic, many businesses have gone online and used the Lalamove app to help deliver the orders of their clients. Entrepreneurs gave this app a perfect rating of 5 stars.
Although, mobile apps can have a few glitches like weak internet connection or when mobile apps run slow. Yet, when you weigh the benefits over the possible troubles, mobile apps surely make doing business a pleasure.
]]>Called Deezine, the event was a pop-up store that kicked off the holiday season. Deezine featured three distinct setups that showcased limited edition designer collections.
The first setup highlighted bespoke home furnishings—all of which were carefully-made products collaborated upon by top names in Cebu’s design scene. Runaway bestsellers were unique shagreen and rattan trays by La Galuche’s Lani Taylor Pasquet and Obra Cebuana’s Selina Romualdez, while Francis Dravigny and Reena Gamboa’s handwoven solar LED lamps piqued people’s interest.
The most respected names in the Queen City’s fashion industry came together for a capsule collection exclusive only to Zee Lifestyle. With pieces in limited quantities and available only throughout the sale, people took the chance to have unique ready to wear blouses by top designers. Young designer and Project Runway finalist Celine Borromeo’s sleeveless pinstriped suit-inspired top sold like hotcakes, while people couldn’t resist a Philip Rodriguez neoprene creation.
Zee Lifestyle’s Food & Entertaining Editor Kate Dychangco-Anzani also had a moment to shine at the event, with her collaboration with Rustan’s. The entertaining guru utilized pieces by Rustan’s Home, Polspotten, Boska, chilewich, D&M and Harman Home—all available at Rustan’s Department Store—for an elegant table setting fit for the holidays. Meanwhile, Pink Flora also had a beautiful carnation and white table setting that became an Instagram-worthy backdrop for guests and mallgoers.
The opening cocktails on November 10, 2016 gathered the magazine’s valued subscribers, advertisers, and the rest of Cebu’s VIP for heavy cocktails and tequila-laced drinks from the Patron bar. Zee Lifestyle subscribers and BPI cardholders were able to enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases.
Deezine was presented by Arthaland, in cooperation with BPI Cards, Sun Life Financial, Mercedes-Benz Cebu, Rustan’s and Patron.
]]>
Zee Lifestyle’s November 2016 Food & Entertaining Issue: The Mactan Newtown (Photography by Oliver Echevarria/Makeup by Janice Barillo and Nicko de la Peña/Fashion styling by Blaq Mafia/Set styling by Vanessa East/Furniture from Living ‘n Style/Shot on location at The Mactan Newtown Beach)
This edition is the ultimate guide to preparing for the holidays. A Guide to Entertaining is a collection of tips and tricks, as well as recipes, for throwing all those parties this season. Adding further to the festive inspirations, Cebu’s newest dining spots Circa 1900, Trattoria da Gianni, Cocina de la Casa and The Pig & Palm whip up special Christmas-themed menus we’re sure you’re going to want to try out. Meanwhile, we gather a roster of personalities for The Breakfast Club. Deborah Hayes, Gretchen Choa-Uy, K.D. Tiu, Mikaela Pacubas and Juanita Romualdez share morning rituals you’ll want to incorporate into your routines.
On the cover are Roma Villarama, Gigi Mantaring and Beatrice Lim from Concentrix, Manulife and The Results Companies respectively—all top locators inside the major township development The Mactan Newtown. The ladies discover the luxury and lifestyle of bringing the workplace to the beach.
Guest editor Kate Dychangco-Anzani helms this issue, just right before showcasing her entertaining skills further with bespoke table settings to be displayed at Deezine happening from November 10-15, 2016 at Ayala Center Cebu. A continuation of Zee Lifestyle‘s 20th anniversary festivities and a launch for the November issue, the event is a curated shopping party featuring limited edition designer collections.
Alongside Kate’s table settings with Rustan’s and Pink Flora, the pop-up store will also have one-of-a-kind home accessories by Miranda Konstantinidou and Kitkat Lobaton, Lani Pasquet and Selina Romualdez, and several pieces by Francis Dravigny with Doro Barandino, Hannah Lim and Reena Gamboa. A special Zee Lifestyle capsule fashion collection will feature exclusive pieces by Arcy Gayatin, Cary Santiago, Jun Escario, OJ Hofer, Philip Rodriguez, Philipp Tampus, Dexter Alazas, Dino Lloren, Harley Ruedas, Mia Arcenas, Axel Que, Bree Esplanada, Celine Borromeo, Edward James Castro, Jessica Ouano and Mike Yapching. BPI cardholders, Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club members and Zee Lifestyle subscribers get 10% discount on all items.
Be there at the opening cocktails of Deezine. RSVP on Facebook.
]]>Zee Lifestyle, Cebu’s premier lifestyle bible, continues its 20th anniversary celebrations with the ultimate shopping party this side of the country! Deezine, happening at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu from November 10-15, 2016 is a curated event featuring limited edition designer collections.
Here are five reasons you should be excited for the event:
1. Design-oriented home furnishings
Miranda Konstantinidou and Kitkat Lobaton (Photography by Steffen Billhardt)
Deezine celebrates the power of collaboration with one-of-a-kind home accessories crafted by several pairs of Cebuano designers, all well-respected names in the industry. Where else are you going to get a shagreen tray by Selina Romualdez and Lani Pasquet, or a vase by Doro Barandino and Francis Dravigny? Only at Deezine, for sure.
2. A special Zee Lifestyle fashion collection
Dexter Alazas’ metallic hablon corset (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong)
Rarely do you get designer clothes off the rack, but Cebu’s top designers have come together to create a capsule collection of tops, which will be showcased in Deezine. Be fashion forward in a dreamy Arcy Gayatin camisole, or a metallic hablon corset by Dexter Alazas—and because this collection has limited pieces only, you’re sure to have something unique.
3. Designed dining
Table setting by Kate Dychangco-Anzani for Zee Lifestyle’s November 2016 issue (Photography by Ezekiel Sullano)
Hostess with the mostest Kate Dychangco-Anzani, along with Rustan’s and Pink Flora, are set to showcase bespoke table settings. The best part? You can take these home for your own parties this season.
4. Discounts galore
Shopping is more fun when there are discounts! BPI cardholders and Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club members get 10% discount at the event. Zee Lifestyle subscribers also enjoy the same privilege, so no better time than now to subscribe!
DEEZINE: LIMITED EDITION DESIGNER COLLECTIONS
presented by Arthaland in cooperation with BPI, Mercedes-Benz Cebu,
Cathay Pacific, Sun Life Financial and Rustan’s.
The Gallery, Ayala Center Cebu
November 10-15, 2016
RSVP via Facebook
Zee Lifestyle’s August-September 2016 Fashion Issue: Matteo Guidicelli (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Styling by Roland Magalang of Bergamo/Grooming by Sheryl Songsong)
Gracing the cover is the Cebuano charmer Matteo Guidicelli. An actor, singer and athlete, Matteo talks about his life in the limelight, intimate details about his relationship with a certain pop princess, and gearing up for the future with Sun Life Asset Management.
With the Philippines’ fashion industry evolving, it’s only appropriate to focus on homegrown talents, from the pioneering efforts of Jennifer Rimaz and Dexter Alazas to utilize local fabrics, to the various fashion-related endeavors of Celyn Sala, Jojo Martinez, Abegail Sanchez and Darren Morandante.
Young Cebuano talents also take the spotlight, with designers Free Barbusa, IA Coca, Rachel Rama, Rachelle Lim, Danica Hermoso, July Gelantaga-an, Dannah Paclibar and Janine Reserv showcasing their most promising pieces. Kiko Kintanar, Edward James Castro, Ixa Escario and Bree Esplanada also inject a bit of art into their designs, inspired by artists Thom Jopson, Daot, Golda King and Kenichi Wani.
Meanwhile, the most respected names in Cebu fashion Arcy Gayatin, Philip Rodriguez and Cary Santiago, with the special participation of Jun Escario, sit down with fashion editor OJ Hofer for a challenge—determining the city’s style setters. Timeless beauties Annie Aboitiz, Margot Osmeña, Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona and Amparito Lhuillier lead the roster of Cebu’s most fashionable, along with Danessa Onglatco, Fiona King, Christine Taylor-Pelaez, Jenifer Martinez and Christina Garcia-Frasco.
Read all these and more on Zee Lifestyle’s Fashion Issue, out this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here or download Magzter on your mobile device.
]]>
ON LOTTE Silk organza wrap by Jun Escario, gray maillot from Soak Swimswear and pearl necklace by Mia Arcenas; ON LUNA Organza wrap by Rei Escario, peach bikini from Soak Swimwear, and necklaces from Moy Studio; woven bags by Mia Arcenas (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
The sun was barely rising over the horizon at Panglao Island, and already the Zee Lifestyle team is abuzz with activity. One of the Dream Villas at Be Grand Resort had turned into a boudoir of sorts—the four-poster bed had dresses hanging from its frame, while the comforter was covered with swimwear and accessories.
Despite the early hour, twin sisters Lotte Edwards and Luna Van Der Linden are cheerful and energetic, dancing to salsa music and admiring the outfits that were being laid out for them. The atmosphere is pretty pleasant, considering the good amount of traveling both women had to do the day before just to make it to the shoot—Luna had flown in to Cebu after an event in Boracay, while Lotte just got off a plane from Singapore.
Although identical twins, their individuality extends to their personalities. “Lotte is very feminine and glamorous, while I’m adventurous, spontaneous and sporty,” Luna explains. “As sisters, we challenge and learn from each other. She’s the best twin I could ever wish for.” To this, Lotte adds, “Our personalities are different, but we are also so much alike. Our cores are very similar. We are that close.”
The phenomenon of being twins will always stay interesting since most people will never know what it’s like to have, as Luna phrased, a wombmate. “There is an uncanny connection. I somehow feel what she is feeling,” Luna says. “When she is in pain, I know when to reach out and be there for her. It’s double the pain, but double the happiness too!”
“You’re never alone; you’ll always have that one person who connects with you at every level,” Lotte adds. And what’s the worst part about being a twin? “You’re never truly alone,” she laughs.
Their closeness is palpable as the two sit in for hair and makeup—Luna playfully teases Lotte for her looping playlist, and in return gets offered vitamins for sun protection by her sister. Now and then, they practice posing in front of the full-length mirror. “I haven’t done this in a while,” Lotte laughs. “I might not know how to do it anymore.”
Scalloped black maillot from Soak Swimwear (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
Having modeled in their younger years, the twins are no strangers to the world of photo shoots. “Monch Ceballos groomed us,” Lotte recalls of their early days in the industry. “I’m very thankful for it—I wouldn’t know how the industry works nor the etiquette of the business without him.”
Although Luna continued on that path, Lotte found herself pursuing another passion, albeit in the same industry. “I became a buyer,” she shares. “After that, I realized I had a talent for design. It excited me. I would play around fabric and draping. Eventually, I got formal classes from
Oj Hofer, and with his support and my newfound talent, I opened my own business.”
With her breezy and elegant resort wear, Lotte’s creations were carried in Shangri-La resorts and hotels around the Philippines, and at designer Ana Liew’s SKYE Boutique at Orchard Central in Singapore. “My designs were very fluid and graceful, elegant and colorful.”
In pursuing another career, fashion designing had to take a backseat—Lotte is now the Brand Ambassador at ΟΝΕ15 Marina Club, an upscale marina in Sentosa Cove. “I handle all the events at Asia’s finest marina club,” she explains. “I handle the planning and creative stage, execution, inviting members and guests, and even hosting it. It’s mostly PR work, but I also do the planning of themes, which is really fun.”
Just last year, she brought in Cebu designers Jun Escario, Mia Arcenas and Dexter Alazas for a trunk show at the Singapore Yacht Show. Supporting Filipino talent on the Singapore stage means much to her. “I believe in the Filipino talent. I think it’s world-class and if we all work together—with none of this crab mentality—we can definitely show the world what we’ve got.” In the spirit of giving back, Lotte is an advocate of Style Your Soul, a movement which organized relief operations from Singapore for affected regions and victims of typhoon Yolanda.
Since starting out at ONE15 Marina Club, Lotte has been at the helm of several events and theme parties. “I also launched the only floating bar in Singapore, the Boater’s Bar, on weekends. So far, it has been successful—it’s become a weekend habit for some of Singapore’s glamorous set.” When she’s not busy working, Lotte does yoga regularly.
The position has landed her in what seems to be a beguiling lifestyle, but Lotte takes her work seriously. “Everyday always brings a new challenge, sometimes a welcome one and sometimes one I can do without. But I learn to cope,” she says. What’s one challenge that she usually finds herself facing? “For somebody who handles events and parties, the rain is my number one nemesis!”
“I love that [Luna is] very strong and loves adventures. I live vicariously through her. She always advises me to think positive all the time, and tells me the best is yet to come.” – Lotte
Being a Brand Ambassador in a yacht club where thousands come in from around the globe allows her to meet so many interesting people. “I like learning from them, seeing the world through their well-traveled eyes, learning about their culture. It’s very enriching!” Lotte shares. As a wine connoisseur, she finds meeting winemakers a particularly enjoyable experience. “I love learning about their wines and how each vineyard is different from another. It’s interesting!”
With everything that’s on her plate, she still hopes to be able to return to designing when she can. “I dream about going back, all the time. It’s always at the back of my mind. Maybe someday,” Lotte says, also admitting that her kaftans remain in circulation in her wardrobe. “It’s such a cliché, but they are perfect for Singapore’s humidity. But I guess I also designed them for lazy days when you don’t want to think too much about what to wear but still look stylish.”
For her part, Luna describes her occupation as, “Currently co-running the Chameleon modeling agency while being a housewife.”Although still modeling herself, Luna also manages models, booking them for events and shows. “More than that, I serve as their mentor,” she shares. “I teach them what I’ve learned over the years. It’s not just about grooming or walking the runway, but more about professionalism and how to handle yourself in public.”
Halter embroidered bikini by Soak Swimwear and necklace from Moy Studio (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
Luna’s modeling experience certainly comes in to play as she poses for the lensman. “I actually enjoy photo shoots the most—from the creative aspect and the makeup, to playing with the lights and complex poses. But what’s important to remember, and I always tell my girls this, is that we shouldn’t be too critical of ourselves. In the end, we are all God’s beautiful creatures, flaws and all.”
With that in mind, Luna is actively pushing the Chameleon Modeling Agency into molding better talent. “The Chameleon Modeling Agency handles a number of beauties who all practice professionalism,” she shares. “We’re hoping to get our name out there for more collaborations
with top Filipino designers at the upcoming Manila Fashion Week, and we would like to participate in the Singapore Fashion Week more actively.”
Like Lotte, Luna is in a field that requires her to be extroverted, something she clearly excels at. “Meeting new people—models, designers and promoters—and being part of the creative aspect of the fashion world,” she enumerates as the things she enjoys most about her job. “It’s not all glitz and glamour, it’s a lot of hard work too. But then again, that’s the fun part.”
In between work, Luna remains on the move by subscribing to different fitness regimens. “Almost everyday is gym day, so I’m always in my sportswear. On any given day, I do yoga, boxing, running, skateboard, tennis, wall climbing—sometimes two things in one day.”
Their similar industries allow them to work together on some projects, an opportunity the twins thoroughly enjoy every time it comes up. “Some of the best events I have done were those with Lotte,” Luna reveals. “More recently, we did a fashion show for Fit for Fashion. We usually don’t walk for runways anymore, but it was for a good cause and it was styled by Queen Melo Esguerra in Singapore.”
The busy workload does take its toll as trials come with an active career. “Balancing my work life with my personal life is a challenge. We have to work around each other’s schedule and manage our calendars to make sure there is time for the things that truly matter,” Luna says, referring to Stephane Van Der Linden, her husband of almost six years, and their pets, ragdoll cat Paris and shih tzu Cosette. “In the end, I am aiming to combine a successful career with being a devoted wife. Luckily enough, we share the same passions—diving, traveling and trekking—which keep us closely connected.”
“There is an uncanny connection. I somehow feel what she is feeling. When she is in pain, I know when to reach out and be there for her. There is double the pain, but double the happiness too!” – Luna
Lotte too finds getaways the perfect time to connect with her husband Jason Edwards, and kids, eight-year-old Ethan Curtis and six-year-old Isabella Rose. “Family vacations are always the best! When I bring the kids to new places, they’re like me—they also love to swim, and play in the sand.”
Their close affinity to the sea becomes obvious in how comfortable they both are by Be Grand’s wide, sandy waterfront. “I remember how often we were at the beach when we were growing up,” Luna shares. “I learned to swim because my dad would throw coins into the sea, and we would dive down to get them. She also vividly remembers her tall Spanish grandfather, who she reckons was around 85 at the time, as he sat quietly by the pool. “I think he was either meditating or contemplating about life,” she muses.
With six other siblings in the brood, their childhood memories were ones of fun, as they recall how they developed an early taste for fashion and liked playing dress-up. Lotte adds, “We would dress up in our mom’s clothes and pose in front of the mirror.”
Both girls took up Tourism at the University of San Jose Recoletos, which had been their mom’s decision. “I was more attracted to the Arts, so I shifted to another course. My mom only found out two semesters after!” Luna laughs. “I guess it does somehow match what I do now, since I have dabbled in modeling, interior design and also took up makeup artistry classes in Singapore. All of those speak of my love for art and anything creative.”
On the other hand, Lotte ended up taking Political Science as a secondary course. “It’s pretty different from where I am now,” she admits. “Instead, I went on to open my own business in design, and designing is my passion.”
“I believe in the Filipino talent. I think it’s world-class, and if we all work together with none of this crab mentality, we can definitely show the world what we’ve got.” – Lotte
Although based elsewhere now—Singapore for Lotte and Manila for Luna—Cebu remains very much their home. “Cebu will always be home,” Lotte says. “My mom, my family and my loyal friends are there.”
“We are very lucky to have properties in Cebu, so we usually fly back on weekends and take the car to Mactan and buy fresh mangoes, lechon manok and hanging rice by the road, and hire a boat to go diving in Pandanon, Mactan Wall or any of the nearby sanctuaries,” Luna enthuses. Speaking of Cebu’s food and restaurants, she says, “My husband and I recently discovered a hole-in-the-wall on the road leading to Mactan. I’m not sure what it’s called, but they sell the freshest fish and seaweed at very reasonable prices.”
Lotte in turn mentions, “Anzani. The view from up there is amazing, and they serve really good wine. They have Quinto do Zambujeiro, my favorite wine. The food is always good, and you know that everything they serve is fresh.”
ON LUNA Off-shoulder pink dress, necklaces, cuffs and earrings by Mia Arcenas; ON LOTTE Yellow bandeau bikini from Soak Swimwear, fringed necklace from Moy Studio, and yellow cover-up, delicate chain necklaces and cuff by Mia Arcenas (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
Their common favorite in Cebu is still the beaches. Both sisters would choose a tropical holiday over an adventure somewhere cooler, which explains their excitement about the shoot being at the Be Grand Resort in Panglao. “Something about the sound of the waves refreshes me,” Lotte confesses.
Luna found her second stay at Be Grand Resort equally enjoyable as her first time during the Christmas and New Year season, commenting about their friendly staff and the amazing facilities. “It’s beautiful,” Lotte adds. “The rooms are spacious and very chic. The staff are very welcoming and hospitable, and the seafood they served was mouthwatering.”
Having just opened the previous year, Be Grand Resort has become a preferred getaway place in Panglao, just off Alona Beach and tucked away in its own private cove. Its well-appointed rooms and a man-made river connecting the luxurious villas have all the makings of an indulgent beach holiday.
“It’s a perfect island paradise,” Lotte quips, also citing Boracay as another favorite. With those tropical vacation spots in mind, sunscreen and other skin protection products rank high on her list of travel essentials. “I also always bring my hats. They’re specially made in Ecuador and are perfect for any outfit.”
Both women are fond of wandering and Luna names Prague and Santorini as the next destinations on her list, while Luna shares that she’s always wanted to see the pyramids in Cairo.
The dynamic between the two is interesting to watch, their contrasting personalities actually somehow complementing each other. “Luna is the crazier one. She always love adventures and brings me for the ride,” Lotte shares about growing up together. “There was always some mischief everyday, and we never had a dull moment.”
That obviously didn’t come without a share of sibling squabbles. “My favorite memory of growing up with Lotte would probably be the fighting and the making up,” Luna laughs.
The differences they see in each other have actually become what they appreciate most now. “I love that she’s very strong and loves adventures. I live vicariously through her,” Lotte admits. “She advises me to think positive all the time, and tells me the best is yet to come.”
On Luna’s part, “Lotte’s very generous, direct and frank with me. She acts like my older sister, even though I was born ten seconds ahead of her.” She shares the best advice that Luna ever gave her: “Marry him.”
Both equally fabulous and hardworking, committed to career and family, and definitely empowered, the Delima twins may live separate lives in different cities but somehow stay connected. Despite being apart, that special bond that only twins share remains undoubtedly strong. After all, when you start your lives as “wombmates,” there really is no cutting those ties.
Halter embroidered bikini from Soak Swimwear, electric pleated top and palazzo pants by Mia Arcenas (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
Everyday beauty regimen?
Luna: Sports. Sweating it out.
Lotte: I wash my face every night, even if I’m very tired. I always wash my face to let it breath while I’m sleeping.
A beauty product you can’t live without?
Luna: Chanel Les Beiges sheer powder.
Lotte: Tweezers. Grooming is very important.
Your favorite beauty look?
Luna: Dark eyes, dark red lips, dark hair and tanned skin.
Lotte: Curly big hair, dark smoky eyes and nude lipstick—dramatic and yet the nude lip gives a good contrast.
Whose beauty look do you admire?
Luna: J.Lo because she’s the best. I saw her at one of her concerts and she was amazing. She can get away with any look.
Lotte: J.Lo because she can just about get away with any look.
What looks makes you feel sexiest?
Luna: Tanned skin
Lotte: Red lipstick
Your personal style?
Luna: Elegant.
Lotte: Very experimental. I like mixing styles, trends and looks. I accessorize and dress to have fun and be myself.
Most used item in your closet?
Luna: Recently, I wear a lot of hats in different styles, shapes and colors.
Lotte: Not surprising, I suppose, but I wear my kaftans and other designs all the time.
Oldest thing in your closet?
Luna: I change my wardrobe regularly, so I guess the oldest thing I have in my closet is my wedding dress for obvious sentimental reasons.
Lotte: I still have stilettos from decades ago. They are good brands, so I can still actually wear them.
White kaftan and necklace by Mia Arcenas (Photography by Jon Unson: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016)
Your power outfit?
Luna: I don’t have a particular power outfit, but I believe that if you put a woman in the right shoes, she can conquer anything. So I do have power shoes—when I wear my YSL Tribute heels, I feel I can do anything.
Lotte: A suit from YSL. It’s all black, with slim pants.
Favorite brands?
Luna: Chanel and YSL
Lotte: Valentino and Balmain
Favorite local designers?
Luna: John Lasala, Oj Hofer and Jun Escario
Lotte: Oj Hofer and Jun Escario
Favorite place to bargain shop?
Luna: Bangkok
Lotte: Bali
If you were a fashion accessory, what would you be?
Luna: A hat, because it’s functional and pretty.
Lotte: I’d be a watch. You need it everyday, and the style always represents the wearer.
Best fashion advice you’ve received?
Luna: Be yourself and dress like a proper lady.
Lotte: Try not to wear brown with green—you will look like a tree.
by Shari Quimbo photography Jon Unson stylist Blaq Mafia makeup Lola Ley and Sumie Belbachir hair Jesse Egos locale Be Grand Resort Bohol
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.