Fashion's new fusion: F2 Friends in Fashion

What do Protacio, Edwin Ao, Ray Kuan, Ren Manabat, Wendell Quisido and Marichu Tan have in common? Well, for one, they are six of the more recognizable designer names in the fashion firmament and, for another, they belong to a new designers' group, (F2) Friends in Fashion. Along with New York-based designer Jude Elardo, Dubai-based stylist-cum-designer Fern One and this writer, who manages M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu, Friends in Fashion, will be launched via a fashion show today at 5:00 in the afternoon, at Paseo Marina, Ayala Center Cebu.

The launching fashion show is part of a three-day exhibit, from September 29 to October 1, 2006, of the group's haute couture and luxe bridal lines still at the Paseo Marina of Ayala Center Cebu. "We are giving options to the bride-to be, whether she would go for the high end or the more affordable bridal gown with the glamour factor and quality intact," declared Protacio. Coincidentally, it is also the Tenth Year Anniversary of M.A.C. Needless to say, its roster of models are continually giving Cebu, and the Philippines, pride in the international arena. What with Bb. Pilipinas World Anna Maris Igpit wowing the panel of judges in Warsaw, Poland, in the ongoing Miss World 2006 Pageant. Other top models are Charity Lagahid and Marjay Ramirez, both are based out of the country, and the ubiquitous Karla Bautista, Melanie Ediza and Stephanie Señires (Miss World, Bb. Pilipinas and Miss Cebu winners). The list can go on.

Thus, M.A.C. teamed up with Norkis Yamaha spearheaded by the workaholic Adolito Flores, dynamic duo James and Michelle Go of Studio 125 and Ayala Center Cebu and voila, a photo-exhibit is currently on display also for three days along with the bridal exhibition. It's interesting to note that stylists Wenwen Zaspa and Manuel Pila extended their expertise in maquillage for the same photo-exhibition, a conglomeration of varied aesthetes. Special thanks to Norkis Yamaha - Adolito Flores, Ayala Center Cebu, Wen-wen Zaspa and Shandar.