Fashion

We’re Taking Cues from Jaja Chiongbian-Rama and Her Versatile Style

With work days that can go from serious business meetings, to glamorous parties in the city’s latest hotspots, this career superwoman stays polished with a wardrobe as versatile as she is.

Jaja Chiongbian-Rama is a hard woman to pin down. It’s not really surprising, of course—balancing her time between running her events and PR company Bigseed, playing a role in the family shipping business George and Peter Lines, and being the doting mother of two beautiful boys (with another baby on the way) must not be easy. Somehow, though, Jaja makes it look like it is.

Perhaps that can be attributed to her personal style. Whether it’s at an event or in the middle of a tightly scheduled work day, Jaja looks poised and polished. “I can’t really categorize it into one particular style. I’d say it’d be a little bit of everything,” she says when describing her personal style. She adds, “I like mixing and matching.”

Her style philosophy, she shares, tends to be dictated by which facet of her life requires her attention for the day. “My style is pretty much eclectic,” she continues. “It depends on the occasion, it depends on my mood, and what I like to wear for the day.”

On this particular afternoon, she’d set aside some time for us for the photo shoot, although in between hair and makeup, she is fielding phone calls and emails. “There’s so much to do because I’m leaving for Osaka tomorrow,” she explains. “I still have to buy Manu’s winter clothes after this shoot, and then I have to come home and pack,” she admits with a laugh, referring to her eldest son.

For the photo shoot, it’s more classic silhouettes. “I would wear this to an event,” she says of the nude-colored lace dress that showed off her growing baby bump nicely. “Events, especially in Cebu, are an opportunity to dress up, so as much as possible I like dressing up for those.”

Of course, it’s not all about the shift dresses and ladylike cuts—in between takes, she shows me her latest fashion finds from Zara, which include a pair of pointed slingbacks in a floral print, and deep green pajama pants with a flattering side stripe. “And look, there’s a slit towards the bottom so you can show off your shoes,” she points out to me excitedly.

When the day is devoted to mommy duties, though, Jaja is more pragmatic. “Definitely sneakers,” she says. “Comfort above all else, but you can also be comfortably stylish. I like wearing sneakers with a casual dress or jeans.”

As we wrap up the shoot, we ask her if she has any fashion advice. “Wear something you’re comfortable with, but something that also reflects your personality,” she shares. “Don’t let what you’re wearing wear you—let your personality shine through. And experiment, because life is short.” She shrugs and laughs, “Just have fun dressing up.”

Fashion

To See and Be Seen: Philippine Terno Gala, A Celebration of Heritage and Couture

by Kingsley Medalla | photography Emmanuele Sawit

The Philippine Terno Gala 2025, curated by Cary Santiago, has evolved into a key feature in the Filipino fashion agenda, highlighting the iconic Terno—a traditional Filipiniana garment that represents a significant part of our cultural legacy. The prestigious fashion event was supported by the Cebu City Government, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Cebu Tourism Commission.

Now on its third edition, the gala fashion show was marked by the creative forces of six highly acclaimed designers: Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Protacio Empacis, Cary Santiago, Jojie Lloren, and Joey Samson. Their body of work produced a collection that showcased intricate craftsmanship and delicate hand embroidery, enhancing traditional aesthetics.

Maybelle Padillo

Bernie Aboitiz, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Pacita Agoncillo Sode, Oj Hofer, and Rose Cayetano-Henessy

Michael Waechter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Simon Piggot, Margie Moran-Floirendo, and Cary Santiago

Javi Martinez and Daryl Chang

The evening was complemented by a live orchestra, creating an ambiance to match the designers’ reimagining of the Terno. The experience offered sensory stimulation that reflected the harmony between fashion and live music, punctuated by the presence of prominent personalities in the fashion and social circles.

No other fashion garment embodies the richness of Filipino heritage and culture quite like the Terno. The Philippine Terno Gala serves as both a celebration and a tribute to the Filipino identity, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in a contemporary context.

Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento, and Mags Cue

Kaye Tinga, Mia Borromeo and Bernie Montinola-Aboitiz

Jennifer Ty and Tessa Prieto-Valdes

Councilors Edu Rama and Joy Pesquera

Mariquita Yeung and Protacio Empacis

Fashion

Behind the Scenes: Backstage at The Philippine Terno Fashion Show 2025 in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

By Doro Barandino

What most people attending fashion events don’t realize is that the actual battleground happens backstage. Here’s a peek at the real magic that transpires among fashion designers, stylists, hair and make-up artists, dressers, and ramp models hours before showtime. In the recent Philippine Terno fashion show, a whole team of creatives in the fashion industry produced the most extravagant and whimsical recreation of the celebrated garment in the country’s cultural landscape.

Fabric manipulation simulating bird feathers are the main features in Cary Santiago’s ternos.

Mesh-like sculptural head accessories added to the visual impact of the designer’s collection.

Jun Escario’s relaxed barong tunics are characterized by its fine embroidery on pinya fabric

The modern kimona reinterpreted by Jun Escario.

Edwin Ao’s take on the Barong is both linear and minimalist.

Edwin Ao ‘s modern version of the traditional baro at saya has architectural folds as its signature look.

The classic terno has draping and printed silk fabric on Joji Lloren’s master class look

Joey Samson known for avant-garde designs has assorted neckties as an accessory to complement the color black.

Protacio re-shaped the silhouette of the traditional barong Tagalog.

Joji Lloren added geometric patterns for a more contemporary look on the terno.

Unfinished stitches of embroidery leaving loose threads add movement and volume to Edwin Ao’s version of the terno

Fashion

Salt, Silk, and Stardom: Ten Reasons Celebrities Wear Amato by Furne One

by Oj Hofer

At Take Me to the Sea, Amato by Furne One unveiled more than a resort/bridal collection — he revealed a world suspended between tides and starlight, where salt, silk, and stardom stitched themselves into every look.

Held at The Hall of the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, the show was a transportive experience. As waves whispered beyond the glass, Amato’s gowns swept down the runway like sirens called to shore. Here are ten reasons why global icons return — time and again — to his sea of style.

1. Salt in the Craft
His garments carry the wild grace of the sea — textured, elemental, unforgettable. Every bead, cut, and crystal tells a story shaped by emotion and intuition.

2. Silk in the Movement
Though opulent, his creations float. There’s ease in the drama — cascading motion without weight. Ideal for performers who speak through movement.

3. Stardom in the Vision
Furne doesn’t chase trends — he conjures icons. His gowns command attention while allowing the wearer’s light to radiate.

4. Salt as Spirit
There is soul in the stitching — a deep undercurrent of cultural pride and personal mythology. His work carries weight because it carries truth.

5. Silk as Spellwork
His fabrics don’t just dress — they enchant. Each piece invites touch, reverence, and awe.

6. Stardom in the Silhouette
Furne understands form. He doesn’t simply clothe a figure — he sculpts for presence. For red carpets, concert stages, and film legends.

7. Salt of the Earth
Despite global acclaim, Furne remains grounded. His humility fosters collaboration, creating space for intimacy in the creative process.

8. Silk-Wrapped Strength
There is softness, but never fragility. These gowns are fierce — veiled in elegance yet unapologetically bold.

9. Stardom as Alchemy
Wearing Amato is not mere adornment — it is transformation. A star steps into a Furne One creation and becomes mythic.

10. Salt, Silk, and the Furne Himself
Furne One is the thread. With quiet charisma and a generous spirit, he doesn’t just dress celebrities — he disarms them. And from that space of trust emerges what every artist longs for: wonder.

And in Amato’s world, wonder always wins.