Affairs of the heart

CEBU, Philippines - We lost Rey Santos to a heart ailment.

The entire fashion community in Cebu—now past the Christmas tradition—still cries even after two weeks from his death: a legendary fashion designer whose life served as a beacon of hope for young Filipino creators to gain accolade worldwide.

So momentarily, we break from our regular Living issue on this last Friday of the year to remember a talent who, at 66, had been a part of The Freeman Lifestyle. After all, should we release a year-end edition, it would be impossible not to honor his legacy.

He was Cebu's fashion king. With only a few who dared to invest in fashion, he poised the city for global trade: encouraged upcoming designers, initiated fabric revolution, and then ultimately, marketed Cebuano brands to the world until he found another niche and a new home in New York.

While in the Big Apple, Santos was the mastermind—when the whole world was so enamored by what former first lady Imelda Marcos who wore to lunch his creation as she dined with American dignitaries.

After more than 30 years abroad, Rey decided to come home in 2013 and reopen an atelier—at the Tango Plaza owned by Executive Editor Mayen Angbetic Tan across Redemptorist Church—coinciding the birth of the second The Freeman Lifestyle event, Artspeak.

The occasion allowed painters and fashion designers to dialogue using their respective medium. I will remember his passion, his enthusiasm, and his great faith that soon, Cebu would be one of the world's fashion capitals where a giant economic cycle would turn.

In our Living edition last September 27, before even opening its doors to his clients, Santos chose to share the interior design of the atelier to us first: the Picasso sketch, the historical tapestry, and the 1960s-inspired dressing room.

Every time we wipe our eyes dry, however, when we slowly unload the pain, we try our best to move on and establish his life as an inspiration in 2014:

That one's blessing isn't measured by longevity but by every minute we decide to obey our passion. In my case, in less than a year of working with this paper, I've been exposed to more disciplines in journalism through Lifestyle Events that sends us closer to our readers, which paves the way to intimate interaction.

That, as a rule, bold is beautiful. Had Santos not been clear of what he wanted, he would not have left a magnanimous mark for Filipinos. I will practice in baby steps: to tell someone about how I truly feel. I would risk. I would inquire: What are my chances?

And that, questions would soon lead us to where destiny should fit us, for the moment. (FREEMAN)