All about 'fashionalism'

When fashion and nationalism are combined, it is called Freeway art.

The fifth Freeway’s National Artist Collector series featured National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil José for its Fall 2011 collection. It was the first time the clothing brand gave a tribute to a living artist. In the past, it featured National Artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design).

More commonly referred to as F. Sionil José, he is one of the most widely read Filipino writers whose work is now translated into 28 languages including his native Ilokano. His novels and short stories are always ripe with class struggles and colonialism in Philippine society.

Many of his stories are set in his native town of Rosales in Pangasinan where he was born on Dec. 3, 1924. The Pretenders is his most popular novel, which tells the story of one man’s alienation from his poor background and the decadence of his wife’s wealthy family.

He studied at the University of Santo Tomas after World War II, but dropped out and plunged into writing and journalism in Manila. He was part of the staff of the old Manila Times until 1960. He later edited various literary and journalistic publications, started a publishing house and founded the Philippine branch of PEN, an international organization for writers. Sionil José also owns Solidaridad Bookshop on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila.

(From left) Bloggers Aisa Ipac of Drowning Equilibriums, Ava Nicole Te of artsyfartsyava, Melai Entuna of styleandsoul and Reg Rodriguez of heyrocketgirl.

In 2001, he was named National Artist for Literature and in 2004, he received the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award.

The intimate gathering, hosted by prima ballerina and Ballet Manila’s artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, was held at The Row in Glorietta 5. The tribute started with a video presentation of F. Sionil José’s life, followed by a tertulia, a gathering of artistic or literary overtones, which has been a tradition in past Freeway literary event launches.

The readings for the evening were chosen by Lito Zulueta. Excerpts from Sionil José’s works were interpreted by actress Cherie Gil and musician/poet/journalist Lourd de Veyra, accompanied by live classical guitar played by UP College of Music instructor Ferdie Medina.

Guests were treated to engaging discussions as the National Artist gave his most candid and honest opinions that evening. During the Q&A, Sionil José said he believes that Jose Rizal is the greatest Filipino writer. He also said his happiest moment was when his wife said “yes” and Kyoto is his favorite city. He mentioned that Manila is his least favorite city but he said the pride of the Philippines are the Filipinos.

Peter and Matty Roxas-Chua.

For this event, Freeway also collaborated with Lomography Embassy Manila, a group of Filipino lomography enthusiasts who were there to cover the event armed with analogue cameras. Freeway treated its guests to delectable cocktail servings.  Freeway’s Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco closed the night by thanking everyone who attended the event.

The entire collection was viewed the same night. Freeway features some of Sionil José’s well known works as interpreted in a pocket collection, which includes graphic tees in trendy silhouettes, flattering modern tailored woven tops, dresses and accessories.  All items have a printed seal, a bio-swing tag and packaged in the signature National Artist Collectors Series envelope.

(To know more about the collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph.).

A Singaporean master chef wows diners at Shang Palace

Jonathan Crespi and STAR columnist Stephanie Zubiri.

 It was an exclusive dining affair as Singapore’s celebrity chef Sam Leong shared his masterpiece dishes at the Shang Palace of the Makati Shangri-La. Guests anticipated the seven-course degustation dinner prepared by Leong himself. Each dish was paired with delicious wine from Carmen by Chile.

Leong’s ability to give Chinese cuisine a modern touch with the use of Western and Asian spices has made him a trendsetter in the culinary industry. Leong’s 26 years of experience have made him Singapore’s most celebrated chef. For six years now, he has participated in Singapore Airlines’ prestigious International Culinary Panel. He now spends his time teaching students in his own culinary school in Singapore named Sam Leong@Forest Cooking School, which he runs with his wife.

He started the dinner with steamed chawan mushi with sautéed mushroom and dried scallop in abalone sauce, enhanced with 2009 Carmen Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley. Next was a crispy prawn coated with wasabi-mayo and served with mango salsa, again paired with the same wine. The spinach broth with King Crab meat and enoki mushroom came alive with 2009 Carmen Chardonnay, Central Valley. The slow-cooked wagyu beef ox tail with young daikon was paired with 2007 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley. The same vintage was paired with the Singapore-style chili crabmeat, a signature sweet and spicy dish. Chef Leong created a delightful finish with chilled fresh avocado puree with homemade coffee ice cream, an unusual pairing.  Everything was excellent.

Patrons of Shang Palace, friends of the hotel and top clients of Singapore Airlines enjoyed the evening’s exclusive affair. Lexus guests were treated as well to the newly launched Hennessy X.O Odyssey.

(From left) Irene Martel Francisco, chef Sam Leong, Anna Sobrepeña and Mia Borromeo.