The Fab 2!

It was dubbed "Two Fab Malls Welcome Two Fab Guys" as Ayala Malls welcomed Thom Filicia and Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The malls were jam-packed with fans and autograph seekers making both of them realize how well-loved their show is locally. 

Alabang Town Center (ATC) was the first stop for design doctor Thom who opened an exhibit showcasing his VIP space interior designs for the World Fair 2005 in Aichi, Japan. This served as a benchmark for students of the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) who were challenged by Thom to design their versions of the World Expo VIP Lounge using pieces and materials from participating ATC shops. 

Thom ended with a talk encouraging Filipinos to use their culture as a starting point for their own style of interior design then proceeded to sign autographs.

Grooming guru Kyan was overwhelmed by the warm welcome he got from admiring fans at Greenbelt 3. A talk and book signing were scheduled for the session. Three lucky Pinoys who got makeovers supervised by Kyan were presented to the crowd.

Jemps, an Ayala executive; Robert, a regular corporate guy by day and reggae musician by night; and Lorraine, a former pre-school teacher-turned-DJ showed off their brand new looks to the delight of the crowd.

Working with Kyan on the makeovers were makeup artist Patrick Rosas and Essensuals Toni & Guy’s stylists Ali Tiongzon and Ziggy Hermosura.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) then held a reception at the Ayala Museum for the two. The fashion show featured clothes from SSI styled by Kyan.

Present were Rustan Group of Companies chairman Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Ayala Land, Inc. EVP Miriam Katigbak, SSI’s EVP Anton Huang, ALI’s VP for operations Rowena Tomeldan, Alabang Town Center general manager Javi Hernandez, ALI’s Ad and promotions manager Cathy Bengzon, ATC’s Ad and promotions manager Maricris Bernardino, and Greenbelt Center manager CJ Jesena.

The two were kind enough to talk to and pose with the hoards of guests who wanted to meet them. Hopefully, they would come back as Manila obviously would welcome them again with open arms.

The Playboy Mansion in Manila

The Polo Club was transformed into the Playboy Mansion when Playboy clothing and accessories were launched in the Philippines.  Guests were welcomed into the imposing steel gates to enter the world of Playboy. 

The place was packed with people who were curious to see what a Playboy party would be like. Guests were given Playboy badges to be worn as they entered the gates.

Wine and food were served before the fashion show, mainly consisting of Playboy clothing and underwear, began.  Music by Flavastreet added to the party mood.

Aside from clothes, Playboy has makeup, stationery, bags, pet accessories, eye wear and jewelry. Official licensees of Playboy in the Philippines are Cinderella for men’s apparel, Dan & Jim for women’s apparel, and Volvo Clothing for men’s underwear. 

Seen at the party were Cinderella’s Therese and Richie Santos, STAR writers DJ Montano and JR Isaac, Shu Uemura’s Tina Tinio, Jewelmer’s Francesco Lops, Angela Silverio, Lilo Gutierrez, Fila’s Butch and Cris Albert, actor Christian Vasquez and Ana Bitong.

Bloody young party

Biorica is a new and revolutionary French beauty line that contains the saliva extract of cultured leeches as an essential component.  These are not the leeches we know of, in fact, they can only live in mineral water.  Known through its scientific name Hirudo medicinalis (Hm), the medicinal leech is the only of the more than 600 species of leeches to have all the specific properties and therapeutic virtues that can be adapted to humans.

Hm is practically an extinct species in the wild, but Biorica’s partner Ricarimpex maintains a breeding farm in Europe – the only one in the world.  Ricarimpex was also given approval by the FDA to market and use the species in hospitals for plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

The launch party organized by DJ Montano revolved around the blood/red theme with cocktails composed of bloody kir royal, cosmopolitan, coco-leechy-tini, and red wine.  Appetizers included crostini of blood pate topped with jicama, mango and tomato salsa, and tuna tartare ceviche.

Dinner consisted of creamy beet chicken bisque with poached blood in a crepe pouch and grilled blood sausage in white wine dijon sauce served with blue cheese potato gratin and strawberry vinaigrette drizzled greens.

Biorica general manager Gil Caunac was here for the launch and said, "We are very proud of what we have accomplished with Biorica which is considered as revolutionary and the latest breakthrough in the cosmetic sector. It is the only brand so far to use the salivary extract of the Medicinal Leech for skin care."

Aside from the extracts, the product lines also contain other natural ingredients like Shea Butter, grape seed oil, Centella Asiatica, Bourbon flowers, and more.

At the launch were Gil’s father Guy Caunac, Bobby Aquino, Marivic Pineda, Celine Lopez, Pauline Suaco-Juan, Agoo Bengzon, Jac and Lando Laudico and Rhoda Campos.

Exclusively imported and distributed by Sichel & Sichel, Biorica is now available in all Rustan’s Essences stores.

Manila fashion festival 2005

Guests were once again treated to one of the most spectacular multi-sensory shows in town with the Manila Fashion Festival 2005.  Detergent brand Perwoll presented this event at the NBC Tent at the Fort with creator GP Reyes collaborating once again with director Robby Carmona.

The festival paid tribute to fashion and music with singers, dancers, Brazilian percussionists, rock bands and capoeira artists. DJs provided a great soundtrack to showcase the wonderful collections of some of the country’s biggest and brightest brands namely Bayo, Cinderella, Folded & Hung, Freeway, Novecento, Plains and Prints, Rustan’s Cilte Femme and Rustan’s Men.

Seen at the event were Brent Javier, Hindy Tantoco, Will and Ana Antonio, Mariko Jacinto, Angelique Villaraza, Stephen Ku and Liza Ilarde.

Freedom rings

What better way to greet American Independence Day than to have a bash at V-Bar on the eve of July 4? 

V-Bar, the only bar in the Philippines to be named in the 2005 Conde Nast Traveller Hot List, is having a party on July 3 at 9 p.m. 

For P1,000 net, guests can avail of Jack Daniels, Jaegermeister, Skyy Vodka and selected wines. Fireworks begin at midnight.

Greater love

Greater Love is a benefit concert for Kythe, a foundation for children with cancer. Kythe assists in helping kids who have no or little financial means to fight the dreaded disease. 

The show is slated on July 18 at the Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall.

Various artists who have generously committed to perform are Pido, Paolo Santos, Aliya Parcs, Nina, Nyoy Volante, JM Rodriguez, Side A, Freestyle and U-turn. 
The venue will have theater-style seating with reserved seats sold at P750 and free seating at P500. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. Food and drinks will be sold at the venue. 

(For inquiries, call Tess at 886-7869 or 892-7534.)

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