I saw a picture of Rudy Farninas’ daughter on a fashion website posing in a modern Filipiniana dress. Some guy gave a snide comment saying that this is probably modern for the Philippines ;p  For the record, the traditional Filipiniana dress does not look like that. The fabric is usually made of pineapple fiber, it also is decorated with beautiful embroidery. If the butterfly sleeves were taken out, it will no longer be a Filipiniana dress. It’ll be just another gown :) There are two popular types of Filipiniana dresses, you have the one-piece terno with its stiff butterfly sleeves popularized by Imelda Marcos and the two-piece baro’t saya (blouse and skirt) often called Maria Clara after the character in Jose Rizal’s novel. La Bulaquena by Juan Luna 1895  (Maria Clara dress: source) Sra. Conchita of Roxas City (Terno: source) Other pictures: (Pitoy Moreno creations: source) Now here are the modern versions of the Filipiniana dress:  Shamcey Supsup in a modern Maria Clara by Brazilian designer Alfredo Barazza: I like the top but the the skirt is too much for me.hehe (source) A UST student wearing her version of the Maria Clara dress: Her name is Katrine Salvador (source). Former Akbayan Representative and RH Bill advocate Risa Hontiveros in a red modern-day Terno: Not so sure if I like this one.hehe (source) The beautiful model/host turned congresswoman, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez escorted by (actor) husband Richard Gomez. Clearly, this was taken by PEP but I found the picture in another blog: (source) My top picks of modern Filipiniana dresses (in no particular order and not influenced by any political party): Divine Lee in Kermit Tesoro (source):  Agot Isidro in a barong dress. How cool is that? (source):  Marie Lozano looks absolutely stunning in this dress! (source):  Charo Santos- Concio in a beige terno at the Kodak Theatre for the 2009 Oscars (source):  A model in what I believe is a Karl Lagerfield creation. I don’t know if it’s intended to look like a Terno but it does (source).  Daphne Osena-Paez looks pretty cool (source).  Stella Marquez-Araneta in a J. Moreno circa 1960’s (source).  London-based Filipino designer Lesley Mobo has her own take of the modern Terno shown here being modeled by a pretty lady (source).  And of course, I cannot make this post without talking about the woman responsible for making the Filipiniana dress (particularly the Terno) very popular -Imelda Marcos:  1. Imelda with parasol (source):  2. Imelda with Ferdinand: best political love team (source): 3. Imelda’s Ternos on display (source): While it may be tempting for some to completely alter the design of the Filipiniana dress like the red one worn by Risa Hontiveros, I personally prefer dresses that still look distinctly Filipiniana. That is, if you’re going for the Filipiniana look. 
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I saw a picture of Rudy Farninas’ daughter on a fashion website posing in a modern Filipiniana dress. Some guy gave a snide comment saying that this is probably modern for the Philippines ;p 

For the record, the traditional Filipiniana dress does not look like that. The fabric is usually made of pineapple fiber, it also is decorated with beautiful embroidery. If the butterfly sleeves were taken out, it will no longer be a Filipiniana dress. It’ll be just another gown :)

There are two popular types of Filipiniana dresses, you have the one-piece terno with its stiff butterfly sleeves popularized by Imelda Marcos and the two-piece baro’t saya (blouse and skirt) often called Maria Clara after the character in Jose Rizal’s novel.

La Bulaquena by Juan Luna 1895 

(Maria Clara dress: source)

Sra. Conchita of Roxas City

(Terno: source)

Other pictures:

(Pitoy Moreno creations: source)

Now here are the modern versions of the Filipiniana dress: 

Shamcey Supsup in a modern Maria Clara by Brazilian designer Alfredo Barazza:

I like the top but the the skirt is too much for me.hehe (source)

A UST student wearing her version of the Maria Clara dress:

Her name is Katrine Salvador (source).

Former Akbayan Representative and RH Bill advocate Risa Hontiveros in a red modern-day Terno:

Not so sure if I like this one.hehe (source)

The beautiful model/host turned congresswoman, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez escorted by (actor) husband Richard Gomez.

Clearly, this was taken by PEP but I found the picture in another blog: (source)

My top picks of modern Filipiniana dresses (in no particular order and not influenced by any political party):

  • Divine Lee in Kermit Tesoro (source): 
  • Agot Isidro in a barong dress. How cool is that? (source): 
  • Marie Lozano looks absolutely stunning in this dress! (source): 
  • Charo Santos- Concio in a beige terno at the Kodak Theatre for the 2009 Oscars (source): 
  • A model in what I believe is a Karl Lagerfield creation. I don’t know if it’s intended to look like a Terno but it does (source). 
  • Daphne Osena-Paez looks pretty cool (source). 
  • Stella Marquez-Araneta in a J. Moreno circa 1960’s (source). 
  • London-based Filipino designer Lesley Mobo has her own take of the modern Terno shown here being modeled by a pretty lady (source). 

And of course, I cannot make this post without talking about the woman responsible for making the Filipiniana dress (particularly the Terno) very popular -Imelda Marcos: 

1. Imelda with parasol (source): 

2. Imelda with Ferdinand: best political love team (source):

3. Imelda’s Ternos on display (source):

While it may be tempting for some to completely alter the design of the Filipiniana dress like the red one worn by Risa Hontiveros, I personally prefer dresses that still look distinctly Filipiniana. That is, if you’re going for the Filipiniana look. 

A take on the new DOT FUN slogan

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From the looks of it, the slogan (and its execution) is definitely a 1st cousin – but a harder working one – of the “Wow, Philippines – More Than…” campaign which also came from the same ad agency that prepared this new dish – BBDO.

It puts the Philippines on a competitive (and fighting) stance and promises a commodity that is solid even with the most laughable infrastructure: F-U-N.

Best part, we get to OWN the word… a prerequisite for memorable advertising (i.e. Volvo = safety; El Al = hijack-proof; Datu Puti = asim; Rexona = long-lasting; Veto = B.O.)… and for compelling, bahala-na-si-batman social media experimentation.

The Secretary was going on and on about the logo – but the words just went from my right ear to the left. I don’t think an earthshaking logo (even if designed by Malang or Modesto or George Lois) has enough power to make a cynical, brainwashed-to-expect-the-worst tourist come to the Philippines.

I have attempted to imagine and create the campaign based on our conversation. I have fantasized what I’d do if I were the Creative Director tasked with translating the slogan into communications materials.

So here goes.

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Source: chubibo.com

Why I’m BRAND CONSCIOUS.

I didn’t use to be brand conscious. Whenever I shop for anything the only qualifications I look for in a product is its price and how it looks good on me. I’m not the type of girl who buys products because they’re expensive or because they’re in. So I always maintained this philosophy of not being brand conscious. That is, until now.

Nowadays, I’m more careful about my purchases and my criteria has expanded. I now look for products that are not only cheap but also environment friendly and I try to find out more about the manufacturers or the company that make those items. 

When I was in college, our favorite professor made us watch “The Corporation”  which tackles what we consumers take forgranted: the monopoly and unethical business practices of multi-million transnational companies. The movie exposes the terrible accounts of modern-day slavery and the control of corporations over lands and natural resources. It was really a radical and eye-opening documentary. 

Since then, I’ve been a little more cautious about my purchases but it is difficult to choose which brands to support since many of these companies control the economy. As a result, you find their products in every grocery store all over the world! It doesn’t help that celebrity endorsers don’t seem to think about the products they tell us to buy or that government agencies are not very keen in monitoring the safety and quality of these products.

For instance, many shampoos and conditioners in the market contain toxic chemicals such as parabens, silicones and phthalates among others. Studies have shown that these chemicals lead to tumor growth and cancer. Imagine that! And yet government agencies across the globe give corporations the license to produce and sell products that contain these things.

For quite some time now, I’ve been on the hunt for eco-friendly and ethically produced items and I’d like to share them with you guys :)

MEET MY GREEN TEAM:

Left to Right: hand sanitizer, lipstick, shampoo, deodorant, conditioner, beauty oil and feminine wash.

Human Nature is a brand that prides itself of using naturally derived ingredients. Their products are 100% FREE FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS! My favorite is the Sunflower Beauty Oil which a lot of people are raving about, it has more than ten uses! The 50ml bottle only cost me over a hundred pesos. It’s so affordable and so are the rest of their products. I’ve been using it for about a week and even my aunt noticed that the dark circles around my eyes have become lighter! They also have a Sunflower Cleansing Oil but I didn’t get it since I use extra virgin olive oil to saute vegetables, clean makeup brushes and REMOVE make up. I swear, it does wonders. The shampoo and conditioner in this picture are for moisturizing, both contain avocado extracts which I’m still about to try. I used their strengthening shampoo and conditioner and I loved it. Another reason why I love Human Nature is because it’s Proudly Pinoy :) Gandang Kalikasan Inc.,the company behind this wonderful line is PRO-PHILIPPINES, PRO-POOR AND PRO-ENVIRONMENT. To learn more about their products and philosophy visit their website. Just click the link at the beginning of this paragraph.

Pink: Overnight/Heavy Flow use

Blue: Normal to Heavy Flow

Feminine Comfort Bio Sanitary Pads: I really don’t know much about these sanitary pads and how they’re biodegradable but I decided to try them anyway. I love how they feel. It’s like I’m not even wearing any sanitary pads! Plus, both of them come with wings and so far my bikini area has not chafed or developed rashes which usually happens when I buy commercial sanitary pads. According to the package, these pads have been formulated with natural herbs which probably explain the fresh minty feeling I get when I wear them. These two are a bit pricey, the pink one cost me Php 220.00 per pack and the blue one cost Php 198.00 per pack. Each pack contains 10 pads. The link I posted above is Indonesian and Google provides a lousy translation so maybe this other link would help: click me.

I’m not so sure if I’ll use them again, I’m thinking of using tampons. My inspiration, Anna Oposa uses tampons because the biodegradable part and non-biodegradable part are separated. I’m a little apprehensive since I’ve always thought of my vagina as a deep dark cave.HAHAHA Plus, toxic shock syndrome scares me.  

THE FACESHOP is another brand that I really like. I love my BB cream! It has SPF35 PA++ so it serves as a sunscreen too. The pink lip gloss comes in handy whenever I feel lazy. I stole both of them from my mother. I wanted her blush but it was off-limits.

I’m also very happy with this brand’s commitment to the environment. One of the reasons why I like this product is because it’s Korean made. I am so jealous of how Korean women have beautiful, flawless skin. It’s like they don’t even have pores. I, on the other hand, can fry eggs with my oily skin.

Left to Right: uv protection cream, shower gel, lotion and lip butter.

The Body Shop is probably one of the best known beauty products in the market today. They are also known for their many advocacy campaigns. My favorite product is the uv protection cream which is ideal for all skin types. It doesn’t feel sticky. I also love their nude lipstick but I don’t have a picture because it got soaked in flood water and I couldn’t afford buying a new one since it cost more or less Php 700.00! So I opted for the Human Nature Love Minerals lipstick in Sweet Nectar which gives the same look for less than half the price (Php 225.00 only!!!). I also enjoy using the shower gel because it smells so good and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. 

My makeup kit isn’t really complete. For the nth time I accidentally dropped my mineral eye shadow and now it’s gone :( 

This eye shadow set came in about 5-6 colors. It also doubled as a blush on. I wanted to get another one but this set costs roughly 1k-2k. So I’m going to wait for a job or for my mom to let me raid her makeup collection. Yes, yes, I know I’m a cheapskate! 

I’m thinking of trying out Human Nature’s Mineral Eye Shadow and I’m still waiting for reviews. So if you’ve tried them please let me know :)

It’s really important for us to be brand conscious and realize that the money we spend can either help mother nature or make those greedy, plundering suckers richer. 

We should all make it a point to patronize eco-friendly products and for me as a Filipino, I think we should also patronize home-industry. It’s one way of helping our economy.

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Aquino-Cojuangco: “Facts They Don’t Want You to Know”

A viral animated video by Filipino artist Baron Buchokoy is already making its way around the Internet. The 15-minute piece gives a brief overview of the Aquino-Cojuangco’s family tree and their rise and stay in power.

The video comes in 4 parts:
I : Cojuangco Wealth - how the Cojuangcos aquired their fortune
II: Hacienda Luisita - the aquiring and conditions behind the land
III: Killing Spree - the killings related to the Hacienda
IV: Aquino-Cojuangco Forever - how local media portrays the family

According to Baron Buchokoy, the video was not meant to be anti Aquino-Cojuangco and that its only aim is to show the other side of the political clan that is often muted in local media. He says the video’s purpose is to educate the dumbed-down, ordinary Filipino citizen.

Disclaimer: Though several sources have been cited within the video, viewers are still recommended to check all the facts first.

I personally find it very informative but I agree that these “facts” still have to be verified. The video says that it’s not an anti Aquino-Cojuanco propaganda but the latter part of the video shows otherwise. I don’t believe that Ninoy Aquino fought so hard during the martial law period and even before that only for his political ambitions. Yes he was ambitious, it was quite obvious, he was charming and witty and he wanted to be in politics but I don’t think any man would endure what he did if it weren’t for a cause. What man would put his family through such an ordeal only for a shot at presidency? 

The video also DEMONIZES the Aquino-Cojuanco family. I’m not the biggest fan of Kris Aquino, I don’t see Cory as a saint and I want to see more from PNoy but I feel like this video is a propaganda of some sort.

If indeed accounts of this video are true, I do hope PNoy does what is right and give back to the farmers their lands and own up to what his ancestors have done. That’s one step to “daang matuwid”.

And yes, I agree. Enough of Kris Aquino. She’s everywhere!

tattlermanila: In non-Pedring news: PHL-JPN meeting: beef up maritime securities, expand facilities, counter China PALEA workers stage walkout, cripples flights for hours Six militants killed in another Basilan clash Cayetano hits Palace for downplaying sex tourism issue [Above: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III sets a headset during a forum titled “Socioeconomic Policy in the Philippines” in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011. Aquino was on a four-day visit to Japan. AP Photo]
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tattlermanila:

In non-Pedring news:

[Above: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III sets a headset during a forum titled “Socioeconomic Policy in the Philippines” in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011. Aquino was on a four-day visit to Japan. AP Photo]