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

Claudia Bezza-Yeung’s Santorini Cruise Collection Seaside Debut

By Kingsley Medalla

The Santorini Cruise Collection launch, Claudia Bezza-Yeung’s fifth, held last May in Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan, was inspired by the Greek island of Santorini. Claudia’s designs exude sophistication, and a touch of Mediterranean charm. The collection features flowing maxi dresses in vibrant colors that mirror the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, lightweight fabrics that effortlessly sway with the ocean breeze, and intricate design that adds a touch of opulence to each piece.

The collection itself is a celebration of summer: mini dresses with headbands and tote bags evoke images of strolls along whitewashed streets. Each piece is carefully crafted to capture the essence of Santorini’s charm.

The color palette of soft pastels like pale blues and pinks, are juxtaposed with bold pops of color, like romantic pinks and vibrant yellows. This combination creates a visually striking contrast that adds depth and interest to each look.

Kandaya Resort, with its breathtaking sunsets and white sand beaches, provides the perfect backdrop for the 55-pieces of beach wear.

“The collection, as with all our pieces, is made from discarded fabric that we source from China and Dubai,” shares designer Claudia Bezza Yeung. “The fabrics for this collection were acquired at different times and were kept in storage since the pandemic, and it was only recently that they all came together with this vision: Santorini! ”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fashion show also serves as an opportunity to showcase Bezza’s talent on an international stage. By collaborating with local artisans and incorporating traditional techniques into her designs, this former model-turned-designer pays homage to Santorini’s rich cultural heritage.

Claudia learned sewing skills from her mother, starting early by dressing up her dolls with fabric scraps. “When I was working and traveling all over the world, I had to decide to carry fewer clothes in my luggage, so I would recycle clothes and customize the ones I already had so they would look different every time.” Soon, she began selling her creations to fellow models.

“I do not sketch. I find it better to manipulate fabrics directly on the body,” Claudia shares. “I sew and drape directly on my body most of the time, and that’s when I get ideas on transforming the dress.

The Santorini Cruise Collection Launch, a Fashion Show on the Beach is not just another runway event but an immersive experience that celebrates both style and culture. Its idyllic setting and stunning designs leave an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.

Fashion

The First Philippine Terno Gala at the Waterfront

On March 10, 2023, important guests and personalities entered the halls of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino to attend the first Philippine Terno Gala in Cebu brought to you by Cary Santiago.

The Philippine Terno Gala’s fashion show showcased couture pieces by world class Filipino designers: Rajo Laurel, Mark Bumgarner, Philip Rodriguez, and Cary Santiago.

The event started with Philip Rodriguez’ daring designs that left the crowd with the need to see more.

Followed by Rajo Laurel’s contemporary pieces, keeping the ongoing gasps and cheers by the crowd alive to fill the ballroom’s ambiance.

Next to grace the crowd is Mark Bumgarner’s elegant designs had everyone raising their cameras to capture the admirable pieces.

To end the fashion show, Cary Santiago left a statement as the runway welcomed stunning designs leaving the crowd in awe.

As a surprise to the guests, special rewards were given to the crowd stoppers of the night with special thanks to Dia Gold and Jun Villanel.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino proved once more that they are the premier venue choice for grand events. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino will see you all in their upcoming events as a part of their year-long celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Events

CEBU KALEIDO: A Night of Fashion and Celebration at Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa

Miranda Konstatinidou’s beautiful beach wear and jewellery worn by her guests at an intimate beach party at Crimson Resort in Mactan. Konplott is Miranda’s luxury fashion accessory brand sold in Europe, worn by fashion icons and celebrities (no, it’s not sold locally) while her exclusive beach wear in silk are fabric designed by her, are also sold in high end resorts around the world. Meanwhile, Crimson Resort in Mactan will officially close temporarily for a makeover as most of their beachfront villas were damaged heavily by last December.s super typhoon Odette. Here’s to a great reopening of Crimson in a few months. (photography by Steffen Billhardt)