Rajo Laurel

All posts tagged Rajo Laurel

Miss Universe Charity Fashion Gala | Hope for Change Foundation

Posted by Norman on December 8, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Last night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino, the Miss Universe Charity Fashion Gala was held in cooperation with Frontrow Cares and Hope for Change Foundation. Our visiting Miss Universe titleholders Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Iris Mittenaere – along with our very own Pia Wurtzbach walked the runway for a good cause. Wearing creations by our top designers like Francis Libiran and Rajo Laurel, they were joined by the Miss Universe 2017 national winners who also displayed their taste and elegance in gowns made by the likes of Mark Bumgarner, Frederick Peralta, Edwin Uy, Val Taguba, Rocky Gathercole, Cherry Samuya Veric, Ofelia Simpao and more.

What added special glitter to the event was the presence of six of our Miss Universe Philippines winners – Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa and Maxine Medina – who also participated in the fashion show and presented onstage in chronological order of their years in competition.

Six of our Miss Universe Philippines titleholders from Bianca Manalo to Maxine Medina

Here are some video clips from the show itself.

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Excited for tonight’s Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Fashion Show?

Posted by Norman on April 6, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

 

Sneak photo grid of some of the National Costumes to be worn in tonight’s fashion show

 
Frederick Peralta for Binibini 3 Angela Lauren Fernando. Edwin Uy for Binibini 1 Gail Ventic. Rajo Laurel for Binibini 31 Kylie Verzosa. Mak Tumang for Binibini 11 Nicole Cordoves. Rhett Eala for Binibini 29 Maxine Medina. Roland Lirio for Binibini 28 Nichole Manalo. Bessie Besana for Binibini 38 Angelica Alita.

These are just seven of our talented local designers who will dress up the Binibinis in tonight’s fashion show at the Kia Theater. And I can’t wait to see them all on the ramp. This is going to be a fab show of beauty, elegance and sophistication. Plus a dash of cool and rugged sexiness in JAG!

Don’t be late! It will start at 7pm. 🙂

  

  

Marry Me at the Marriott (in one of these)

Posted by Norman on July 10, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Cassandra Naidas in a JC Buendia original

During last weekend’s Marry Me at Marriott Fashion Show, five (5) of our top designers – Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, JC Buendia, Rhett Eala and Frederick Peralta – unveiled their respective bridal collections that coincided with the official launch of the Marriott Grand Ballroom which is reputed to be the biggest in the country today.

And in line with the event, I paired some of the pieces in the five different collections as worn by familiar faces in the pageant and modeling industry. Take your picks among the three pairs and tell me which bridal style would suit your taste if your were to walk down the aisle. 🙂

All images are courtesy of Bruce Casanova.

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Would you go French chic with a Rajo Laurel (on Kylie Verzosa) or Rhett Eala (on Vanessa Mae Walters)?

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Would you prefer non-traditional colors like these Frederick Peralta creations on Monika Sta. Maria (in black and white) and Anja-Vanessa Peter (in light mocha)?

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Or will you stick to white but go all-out like the Rhett Eala flowery (worn by Catriona Gray) or Randy Ortiz quiet elegance (on Jodilly Pendre)?

How do you like Sam Ajdani with long hair?

Posted by Norman on May 8, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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This was how Mr. World Philippines 2015 Sam Ajdani looked like during the TRESemme Runway Ready Backstage Fashion Show

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A group shot of the Rajo Laurel /Jing Monis segment (Photo credit:Bruce Casanova)

Don’t worry, dear readers. The look of Mr. World Philippines 2015 Sam Ajdani above was just for the TRESemme Runway Ready Backstage Fashion Show at the Sofitel Manila where he was part of the fashion ensemble presented by the team of Rajo Laurel and Jing Monis. In short, they are just hair extensions placed on all the male models to add more drama to the presentation.

Our gorgeous hunk is back to his usual fighting form in the photo below when he did a photoshoot for an issue of Forbes Magazine. 🙂

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Back to his usual form in a Forbes Magazine photoshoot, Sam is.

The Gala Night and My Choices for Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014

Posted by Norman on May 26, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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The Recycled National Costume Competition was a sight to behold.

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Gala Night hosts (L-R): Divine Lee, JC Cuadrado and Patricia Fernandez

The Gala Night of Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014 last night was a well-attended event. Held at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila, guests were treated to a night of songs, good food and the Recycled National Costume Competition of the candidates. Hosts JC Cuadrado, Divine Lee and Patricia Fernandez made sure that everyone enjoyed the proceedings which include the colorful eco-creative formal creations judged by such esteemed judges which include designers Rajo Laurel, Eric delos Santos and Avel Bacudio, actor Benjamin Alves, Producer Michael Carandang and Mega Group’s Suki Salvador among others. Performers who regaled the audience with their show-stopping numbers were the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Bayang Barrios and the Mandaluyong City Children’s Choir. By the way, I also spotted celebrities like Victor Basa, Victor Silayan, and Katarina Rodriguez (of Asia’s Next Top Model S2) and former Binibinis Aiza Faeldonia and Angelique de Leon inside the ballroom.

Okay, time to buckle down to the business of sharing my choices for the two crowns to be handed out tomorrow night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Among the twenty (20) teenaged ladies, I’ve had my eyes transfixed on two competitors who embody the image and personality of whoever will win the first Miss Teen Earth title. My #1 pick is Vanessa Mae Walters of Cebu City. This graceful and elegant lass shows off a sense of style that is hinging on the cusp of adulthood, but still exuding the youthful joie-de-vivre of a sixteener. She simply has an over-all impact that stands out from the rest. I reckon that she will be a most qualified young ambassadress of Mother nature. My alternate (or #2) is Angelique Stephanie Passion, who can also shine well as a potential winner. I would love to see one of the two taking it all the way. Completing my Top 5 are Shawntel Michole Cruz, Deanne Patricia Perez and Francesca Taruc.

My Top 5 for Miss Teen Earth Philippines 2014 (Photo credit: Edmund Chua)

My Top 5 for Miss Teen Earth Philippines 2014 (Photo credit: Edmund Chua)

Now, assessing the young girls is a trickier act to accomplish. An armchair judge needs to look beyond the cuteness of each candidate and see the more intrinsic qualities of a sub-10 year-old who could be capable of meeting the demands of the responsibility of a Little Miss Earth Philippines. But unlike the teens, I have one solid choice to be declared the winner and she is Joseayn Dennies Albasin of Cagayan de Oro City. I personally feel that she has all the qualities that could make a wonderful earth champion for the children. She has the expected girly ways from someone her age, but beautifully spiced with the natural nuances of a smart charmer. She is such a stylish girl. The four others who qualified for my top quintet are Juviel Viado, Candesse Bartolome, Heunize Ciar and Tyra Izabelle Pilapil.

My Top 5 for Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014 (Photo credit: Edmund Chua)

My Top 5 for Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014 (Photo credit: Edmund Chua)

Kudos to Captured Dream Productions headed by its hands-on CEO Vas Bismark and ever-warm Managing Director Jed Velasco for an impressive conduct of the Gala Night. By the way, if you can’t watch the live finals tomorrow night, you can catch the delayed TV telecast of the pageant on June 8 over at GMA-7’s SNBO. 🙂

Sunday Specials: Super Sireyna Queen of Queens 2013

Posted by Norman on July 28, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , .

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Francine Garcia (aka Kim Chiu of QC) was crowned Super Sireyna Queen of Queens 2013.


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The eight Super Sireyna Queens

Guys, I want to share with you the much talked-about Grand Finals of Super Sireyna Queen of Queens 2013. Below are the videos divided into six parts. Apologies for the less than clear quality, but this is the most complete set I could find on Youtube. Just the same, you will be amazed at the finalists, most especially the world-class fantasy costumes. The Q&A, especially of the winner Francine Garcia, was a killer (what with a killer question from judge Isabelle Daza). I was impressed with the whole event over-all. Do watch now. 😉

All videos courtesy of Richardson Guinto

Tale of a back tattoo

Posted by Norman on May 24, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

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You don't need to read what's etched on her back. It's still a hard-to-hide tattoo. (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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Notice the tattoo peeking from her right shoulder? (Photo credit: Critical Beauty)

I may not have one permanently inked on my skin ever, but tattoos – especially the skillfully and beautifully made ones – are considered works of art which I don’t mind looking at and appreciating. Not on our Bb. Pilipinas winners, though.

While an unwritten rule, Bb. Pilipinas traditionally frowns at ladies with obvious tattoos on any part of their bodies. The latter may be accommodated up to a certain extent, but not to the point of actually becoming a crowned winner.

Such is what may have dealt a heavy blow on Anna Fernandina Buquid’s (mis)fortune with Bb. Pilipinas 2013. The lady stunned everyone with her towering height, lithe body and smooth catwalk skills. She may not have the killer looks to come with it. But still, she is capable of commanding attention and breezing her way to the list of favorites. However, she found herself unplaced last April 14. She wasn’t even called to the Top 15, let alone a minor special award.

I can’t say if the horizontal back tattoo was the only cause for the snub. But in any case, it is the indelible mark that will keep her from becoming a Bb. Pilipinas. I’m not certain if Miss World Philippines or Mutya ng Pilipinas would ignore the same, but chances are, they might also mind.

So where could she possibly join and not be held against for literally having a long statement roped across her upper back? I can only think of the all-things-blind Miss Multinational. But do we even have a local franchise holder for this one?

Would you choose Alexander McQueen or Elie Saab to dress Miss Universe Philippines?

Posted by Norman on October 7, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

This is another one of my weekend fantasy posts. I was suddenly inspired after seeing the Spring/Summer 2013 Collections of Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab that a quick question popped in my head. What if we are in the position to choose the designer of our Miss Universe Philippines Janine Tugonon for Miss Universe 2012? Who would you choose between the two and why? And if you would rather go nationalistic and select one Filipino couturier, who would it be and why?

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Looks from Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

Don’t be distracted by the lampshade hats worn by the models. Without them, the remaining pieces evoke such strong fashion statements that can make any wearer stand out. After all, Alexander McQueen wasn’t known for tasteful shock values in his creations for nothing. If something can be said, it’s the near-pitch black shades of some of the outfits that could work against the optimal effect needed for a beauty delegate’s body.

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Looks from Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

Or does Elie Saab float your boat better? His easy breezy originals are the kind of stuff any modern woman of the world wouldn’t mind showing off. In fact, the collection above thrives on simple silhouettes that incorporate an extra dash of confidence in the final cut. In particular, the white and black number on the first image is already a winner – sophistication-wise.

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Recent Rajo Laurel creations for the Esquire and Star Magic Balls. (Photo credit: Rajo Laurel/instagram)

In the end, we should be happier seeing one of our own dress our beauty queens abroad, right? Top Pinoy designer Rajo Laurel has – for the longest time – expressed his sincere interest to lend his magic touch to our Miss Universe reps. And why not? He knows the Filipina body better than any other foreign counterpart. And knowing his excitability factor should he be given the chance to do so, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind doing the complete wardrobe of delegate.

At the end of the day, wishful thinking can only bring us so far. And the reality of it all is that Stella Marquez de Araneta is in full control of what our beauty queens would wear. Despite some quarters complaining that gowns and dresses are constantly recycled, there are certain small details we are not privy to that make it more important for BPCI to have blanket authority over the wardrobe. And the commissioning of a Colombian designer for the evening gown and national costume? There is more to that than meets the eye. These are subject matters best discussed in a separate post in the future. 😉

How I wish our Beauty Queens would wear these gowns!

Posted by Norman on January 18, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

In the recently concluded Golden Globe Awards, Hollywood TV and Film actresses had another date in the red carpet where they showed off fabulous creations from among the world’s most popular designers. Wishful thinking has spurred me into imagining our beauty queens wearing these creations in their international competitions. Wouldn’t they just be divinely elegant?

Nicole Kidman in Versace

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Evan Rachel Wood in Custom Gucci Premiere

Lea Michele in Marchesa

Charlize Theron in Dior

Aren’t these designs just gorgeous?

Oh well, for as long as Colombian couturiers are commissioned to make the gowns of Bb. Pilipinas winners, we’ll never see the light of day when our bets would glide the runway in anything close to the above.

So paging the organizers of Miss World Philippines! Maybe you can consider using the more talented of our local designers to prepare the winner’s wardrobe. Since you started with Oliver Tolentino last year, maybe you can try joining hands with the likes of Rajo Laurel? 😉

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

Posted by Norman on November 30, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

There’s a very good chance that you haven’t completed your Christmas shopping yet. And if you’re looking for gift options that won’t break the wallet, Rags2Riches will have its annual sale starting this Friday (December 2) till Saturday.

Check out all their items, especially the ones designed by Rajo Laurel, Oliver Tolentino and Aranaz. In the process, you will be helping a good cause.

Happy Shopping! 🙂