Absolut fabulous

Inspired by affluent themes of fame and travel, Absolut recently launched its second collection, paying homage to the traveler’s essential – the bag. Tagged as the Absolut Famous Collection, Absolut, for this year’s line, asked 10 young international designers to come up with their own interpretation of the word "famous". Using different materials, the designers produced a unique set of bags that evoked a generation that was all about cool and a distinct disregard for convention. In Manila, the entire Loft at Rockwell was transformed into an airport, complete with models dressed in cabin crew outfits to simulate the setting of a busy terminal. The event had flag dancers and a baggage carousel where the models, some of which were our own bag designers, grabbed their Absolut bags and presented it to Manila’s party set. The famous faces of Manila’s social scene came and enjoyed the specially mixed Absolut cocktails and partied the Absolut fabulous way.

Anton Barreto


What do you want to be famous for?


Fame is something I don’t really aspire for – but if I do merit a bit of fame in my lifetime then let it be for my talents and capabilities in the field I’ve chosen.

Mimi Tan


What is your favorite fashion accessory?


A bag! A look is not complete without it!

Angelo Villanueva


Who is your favorite designer among the 10?


I’ve got three Absolut Label 2005 faves: Iereks from Poland, simple and so in-your-face; V. Sinouchkina from Russia, the 2-in-1 bag is handy and it's an accessory that can jazz up any outfit; and the Famous Content bag by Desiree Klein of Germany because of its minimalist and modern approach to design.

Leah Caringal


Which Absolut Famous bag would you keep?


I’d keep the one of Henrik Vibskov from Denmark. It’s chic yet functional and it’s something I can use everyday.

Gian Gonzales


What do you think makes a person famous, a lot of money or good deeds?


Both, although on different levels. There's a notoriety that comes with money, and nobility that comes with good deeds. Personally? I prefer a fat wallet to fat karma.

Cristine Gruet


If you were to be a famous personality, who would that be and why?


I’d want to be Mrs. Orlando Bloom… and why not?!?

Mae Parrilla


If you designed a bag, how would it look?


I’d use a white leather handbag and accent it with a lot of colored beads. I want it to look stylish when I use it during the day and really chic when I use it at night.

Robby Sibal


What is your favorite travel destination?


Ilocos. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. I love driving there. The roads are great!

Candy Reyes


What are your ultimate travel essentials?


My backpack which can fit my camera. And since I like traveling to new places, a Lonely Planet guide book.

Reena Ayuyao


What is your most treasured bag?


My powder blue Longchamp Le Pliage handbag. If memory serves me right, this is the first brand name handbag I ever bought for myself. I love its no non-sense chic French look – and I can stash almost anything in it.

Michelle Meneses


How many bags do you own?


I have around 45 bags – and counting – that range from beach bags, totes, shoulder bags, clutches, handbags, evening bags, and vintage purses.

Ryan Saavedra


Would you rather be famous or infamous?


I would rather be infamous, because bad gossip lasts longer.

Vicky Marchadesch


What are the things found in your bag?


A cellphone, house and car keys, rosary, digicam, and my wallet.

Vince Santos


What is your favorite trait among the people you consider famous?


Humility.
Circuit Training Week’s Event Schedule
29 April — Friday
The Dawn & Acoustic Jive at Merk’s Bar Bistro
1st Philippine Motor Show at World Trade Center
Circuit Asia 2005 Opening Party at NBC Tent
Kuh Ledesma Presents…’Bacharach in Your Dreams’ at Mandarin
Ella Mae Saison at Discovery Suites’ Serendipity Lounge
Nyko Maka at Wasabi
Fat Session at Tavern on the Square
Gogo-Fridays at Bed
Yuppies Night at Istana Bali
Jive Fridays at Temple
Radha with Classified at Red Door
Bedazzled at Club Mwah
Arthur Manuntag and Romy Posadas Trio at the Atrium Lounge
Amazing Philippine Show at the Manila Film Center
Eric Obach at Century Park Hotel
Anne Castro & Ben Uy at Century Park Hotel
Jazz Trio at the Captain’s Bar
Entity/Reign 24 at Boysie’s Bar and Entertainment Venue
Musik Fridays at Embassy
Fresh Fridays at Phi Bar, Metrowalk
30 April — Saturday
Circuit Asia 2005 Main Party at PNB Amphitheater
General Electric at Capone’s
The Mossimo Bikini Summit 2005 at Araneta Coliseum
Labor Day Weekend! at Bed
Savagely Sexy Saturdays at Bed
College Night at Istana Bali
Bedazzled at Club Mwah
Amazing Philippine Show at the Manila Film Center
House and RnB at Temple
MMC with Alamid at Red Door
The Family Cruz Band at the Atrium Lounge
Olivia Salazar & Eddie Juatan at Century Park Hotel
Jazz Trio at Captain’s Bar
Soulistic Saturdays at Prince of Jaipur
Pure Instinct / Rated PG at Boysie's Bar & Entertainment Venue
Dance Deluxe Saturdays at Embassy
1 May - Sunday
Circuit Asia Party 2005: Mud & Fire at the World Trade Center
Brass Monkeys at the Gateway Pavilion
Search Mindscapes at Galleria Duemila
The Figure in Art at the De La Salle University Museum
Photographs of Kyoto and Nara at the Lumiere Gallery
Episodes at the UP Vargas Museum
Ouvertures at the UP Vargas Museum
Silencio at the Drawing Room
2 May - Monday
Follies De Mwah at Club Mwah
D Town at Boysie's Bar & Entertainment Venue
Kreolee at Century Park Hotel
Margarita Saludo & Eddie Juatan at Century Park Hotel
Jazz Trio at the Captain’s Bar
Escape at Off The Grill
Various Bands at Red Door
Acoustic Night with Release Band at Temple
8Track at Strumms, Makati
I Don’t Like Mondays! at Gweilos
3 May - Tuesday
Romy Posadas & Route 70 at Merk’s
Follies De Mwah at Club Mwah
Amazing Philippine Show at the Manila Film Center
Mr. Koko Marbella at Century Park Hotel
Armina & Jerry Cuyas at Century Park Hotel
The Spirit of ’67 at Captain’s Bar
Domination at Boysie's Bar & Entertainment Venue
Acoustic Tuesdays with Refrain at Red Door
4 May - Wednesday
RJ at Discovery Suites
Follies De Mwah at Club Mwah
Acoustic Night at Istana Bali
Singles Night at Temple
Escape at Pier 1 Tomas Morato
Acoustic Wednesdays Neutral at Red Door
Mild Seven Smooth Nights at Phi Bar
Chinggoy Alonso at the Atrium Lounge
Amazing Philippine Show at the Manila Film Center
Eric Obach at Century Park Hotel
Diane Sison & Ben Uy at Century Park Hotel
Jazz Trio at the Captain’s Bar
Shoot To Kill at Boysie's Bar & Entertainment Venue
Smooth Wednesdays at Il Ponticello Café Ristorante
Superklasse Wednesdays at Embassy
5 May - Thursday
Phuture Thursdays at Bed
Follies De Mwah at Club Mwah
Amazing Philippine Show at the Manila Film Center
Escape at Pier 1, Roxas Blvd.
Mr. Koko Marbella at Top Of The Century
Joann Frances & Bobby Cabral at Century Park Hotel
Jazz Trio at the Captain’s Bar
Jed Madela, Gail Blanco & Prime Council at Red Door
U-Turn at Aruba, Libis
Squib Cake at Boysie's Bar & Entertainment Venue
Ladine Roxas at the Atrium Lounge
Chocolate Milk Thursdays at Government
Jueves at Gweilos
* * *
To be included in the week’s schedule of events and parties email me the Monday before today’s Friday issue at jrisaac2000@yahoo.com and
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