Lala Flores' Daughter is Supermodel of the World

It's in the genes! Danica Magpantay, daughter of former supermodel-turned-makeup artist Lala Flores won the Supermodel of the World title on January 22, 2011 in New York City.

Who could forget Lala Flores' reign on the ramp 2 decades ago? Oozing with X-factor, she bagged  the much coveted Supermodel of the Philippines title in 1990 and got the Crest Best Smile award when she represented the country abroad.  After getting married to Pogs Magpantay and shying away from the spotlight, she continued to make her mark in the fashion industry as a topnotch makeup artist.

Now, the spotlight is on her 17 year old daughter Danica, who bested more than 70 other candidates from all over the globe in the prestigious Ford Modeling contest. Danica's dusky complexion, killer bone structure, and long legs are all reminiscent of the younger Lala Flores. She has an equally stunning sister named Danielle who made it to the top 8 of the Supermodel of of the Philippines competition last October 2010, in which Danica grabbed the plum prize. Danielle, however, is proud and in full support of her sister.

Danica, a UP Fine Arts  student, brings home the title of the first ever Filipina Supermodel of the World (Charlene Almarvez was 1st runner up in 2010, Charo Ronquillo placed 3rd in 2006). She also snags a $250,000 modeling contract with the Ford Modeling Agency.

credits to the respective owners of the above photos

image source

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Regine and Other Women Who Did Their Own Bridal Makeup

Let me begin this entry by sending out good vibes to everyone as we start another year. Before 2010 ended, I vowed to update this blog on a daily basis yet like all other New Year's Resolutions, they remain just as they are- resolutions. So here I am making an update after almost past mid-month of January of 2011. But hey, if for any consolation, at least  I made it before the Chinese New Year. I have products for review in tow and I'll make sure I blog about them before the next decade. Ok, kidding on that one.

Just a few days before the 2010 Christmas, Regine Velasquez finally tied the knot with Ogie Alcasid. Besides the red bridal gown and boots defying  traditions, it was noteworthy that the Asia's songbird, at her stellar status, chose to do her own wedding makeup.



While my readers would know that I did my own makeup during my wedding in 2009, it was easy to understand why. Apart from the fact that I studied the craft .. and some trust issues, cost-cutting measures played a large part on that . But Regine is an entirely different case. She is a star. She earns by the millions! Her job surrounds her with the best makeup artists in the country. She could have easily booked Juan Sarte or Steven Doloso on her big day. Instead she had to take matters into her own hands, literally. The video coverage of their wedding on GMA showed Regine meticulously lining her eyes, among other things that make up artists routinely do, while somebody else was styling her hair.

As her fans would know it, Regine Velasquez is a multifaceted artist. Apart from her exceptionally great singing voice which made her a star, she also dabbles into tattoos and sketching. In most  shows, she does her own makeup because she's  more comfortable  in doing so. She reasons that having different makeup artists result into varying looks, so she wants to make her appearance consistent by becoming her own makeup artist.  As I would agree with her, "no one else knows a woman's face better than herself."

Apparently, she's not the only celebrity who took the road less traveled . See who joins the list of  women with talented hands that deftly created magic  on their own wedding day.

Geneva Cruz

Besides being a brazen PETA advocate , Geneva is a true artist at heart. She writes her own songs and paints pretty pictures. A fan of writer Kahlil Gibran, she will surprise you with her thought-provoking insights on things.

Although it has long been confirmed that this original Smokey Mountain lead vocalist had split up with KC Montero, Geneva did her own makeup during their wedding in Washington on January 2004. The intimate gathering was attended by family and close friends. Unlike Regine who left the hair to a stylist, Geneva  did her own hair and even designed her wedding gown.

Barbi Chan

Barbi may not be an actress or a rock star but she is no doubt  famous on her own merits. A celebrity makeup artist schooled at the Makeup Designory in California, she stresses the importance of knowing the difference between a "beautician"  and a makeup artist although she says she has nothing against the former.

A make-up diva doing her own bridal makeup seems to be the most logical thing in the world. When she got married more than a year ago to Jorge Friebel, she went for the smokey eyes  and donned a pink and black wedding gown in Boracay. Barbi is presently based in Portugal with her husband.

Watch their video from Jason Magbanua  here.

Kate Middleton

Yes, the soon-to be-princess. Prince William and Kate are still to be wed on April 2011 but the 28 year old lass worked her way through the brushes and did her own makeup for their engagement pictorial with Mario Testino.

One would expect an entourage of top-caliber makeup artists for such event but Kate preferred to do things her way, at least for the shoot. She darkly lined her eyes and balanced it with muted shades of blush and lipstick. Simple but splendid. Bobbi Brown herself had nothing but positive remarks about Kate's excellent job at doing her own makeup.

personalized wedding gifts

Jennylyn Mercado's Vintage Look in "Rosario"

I'm hardly a Jennylyn Mercado fan but taking notice of the Metro Manila Film Fest entry "Rosario" being graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, it's hard to miss the 1920's era hair and makeup of its lead actress.

Seeing the promotional pictures of the movie made me appreciate Jennylyn Mercado's classic beauty for the first time. Her finger- waved hair, which reportedly took almost 4 hours to fix during shooting, plus the vintage makeup, were executed excellently by her makeup artist and hairstylist. The 1920's is undoubtedly one of the most interesting periods for makeup and fashion. The typical look for this era includes a red tiny lips balanced by a light makeup on the rest of the face. The eyebrows are thin, dark, slightly extended and turned downwards.

The movie "Rosario" is about a passionate woman ahead of her time (i.e., liberated) during the 1920's. It is said to be a monumental yet intimate portrait of a woman's emancipation and the sometimes painful consequencesof following one's desires. This is Albert Martinez' debut directorial feature film and first movie in the Philippines to be filmed with an Arri Alexa camera.

Surprisingly, despite Jennylyn Mercado being believed to be the front runner in the best actress category (which was won by Ai-ai de las Alas) of this years MMFF awards night, she was snubbed even in the nominations. Let's see how she will fare in next year's major award-giving bodies. For now, at least her make-up and styling win my attention.

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Images are gathered from the web and are not properties of this blog.

Makeup Designory Manila Rates

Word is out that Makeup Designory Manila is finally opening in Serendra, The Fort, Taguig on January 17,2011. Among the teachers are Kris Bacani and Georginna Desuasido who promise to teach everything they know to help students achieve their goals. For those itching to know about the school's rates, feel free to browse below the programs that suit you, with their corresponding prices. The most expensive course (Beauty Makeup Diploma) is internationally accredited, which is recommended for those who plan on working as make up artists abroad.

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Classes Offered:

1. Bridal Makeup – 14 hours, P24,000

2. Fashion Makeup – 14 hours, P24,000

3. Hi-Definition Makeup – 14 hours, P24,000

4. Avant Garde Makeup – 14 hours, P24,000

5. Personal Makeup – 7 hours, P10,500

6. Day & Night Makeup – 14 hours, P21,000

7. Smokey Eyes Makeup – 7 hours, P10,500

8. Fashion Photography + Hi-Definition Makeup - P42,000 (less 5% if you enroll within December)

9. Fundamentals of Makeup Artistry (Intro to MUD, Personal, Day & Night, and Smokey Eyes Makeup) – 28 hours, P42,000 (less 5% if you enroll within December)

10. Temptu Airbrush Makeup – P12,000

11. Beauty Makeup Diploma Course - 140 hours, P196,000 (less 5% if you enroll within December)

All of the above come with MUD makeup. For the Diploma course, brushes are also included.

For inquiries, please call 846 90 16 or 659 19 52 and look for Ann for more details. You could also check out the  Makeup Designory Manila Facebook Page.

New Face Of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder has a new face in Puerto Rican model, Joan Smalls. Joan is a relative newbie to the modeling world who made her catwalk debut in January 2010 for fashion bigwigs like Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Louis Vuitton and Prada, and had been photographed by the likes of Mario Testino and Steven Meisel.

Joan gladly welcomes her new role as Estee Lauder's new spokeperson, who sees it as an opportunity to be a positive role model. "For me, Estée Lauder represents real beauty. It speaks to every ethnicity and age group,” she quipped. “I plan to bring [women] confidence, so they accept themselves the way they are,” she added. “I am looking forward to creating beautiful images and empowering women.” Her Estee Lauder campaigns are set to be globally launched in May 2011. She will be featured in ads for both cosmetics and skin care.

Her favorite Lauder product is one she’s been using before ever dreaming of representing the company herself: “Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex,” she says automatically. “The jar is so convenient to travel with. I use it religiously—even when it’s not night.”

Aerin Lauder, the senior vice president and creative director of the company, proudly says that Joan is the epitome of beauty, confidence, warmth and elegance. She added, "when we pick someone to represent the brand, it’s about her personality, too. It’s not just the face. You find yourself not being intimidated by her beauty, but drawn in by her warmth.”

Joan Smalls is the first Puerto Rican model will join the ranks of Estee Lauder's international beautiesi ncluding Liu Wen, Paulina Porizkova, Anja Rubik, Elizabeth Hurley and Constance Jablonski. She is the third new model signed by the company this year.

Glee's Darren Criss in Manila

It sure is a merry Christmas for Gleeks in Manila because Blaine will be coming to town next week. Darren Criss,  the 23 year old Filipino-Irish hottie who appears in Glee as Blaine will be performing live at the Ayala Malls on December 21 and 22, 2010. Mark your calendars as Santa delivers Darren Criss to you on December 21, 2010- 6:30 PM at the Greenbelt 3 Park, and and December 22, 2010 -7:00 PM at the TriNoma Activity Center.

Darren Criss joined the cast of Glee since the "Never Been Kissed" episode of season 2, in which he sang the lead vocals of the Katy Perry song " Teenage Dream" with the Dalton Academy Warblers. The cover took the top spot on iTunes upon its release. Darren plays Kurt's mentor and potential love interest. Although he plays an openly gay student in Glee, in real life, he's straight and admits to having a crush on co-star Heather Morris, who plays the funny blonde cheerleader, "Brittany."

Before his heartthrob status as a Glee star, Darren used to part of the theater company Team StarKid, formed by theater students at the University of Michigan. He essayed the role of Harry Potter in their production of the musical comedy dubbed as "A Very Potter Musical" which became a youtube hit.

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Philippine Blog Awards 2010 Winners

In recognition of the finest blogs in the country, the final leg of this year's Philippine Blog Awards culminated on December 12,2010 at the RCBC Plaza in Makati, with the theme, "Beyond Blogging." This time, they fused the categories for beauty and fashion (which I'm not sure is a good thing). Although I wasn't able to make it to the event due to my location, I'm still in all-out support to the award-giving body that my blog is forever indebted to. I am extending my congratulations to all the finalists, winners and everyone behind the Philippine Blog Awards.  Here's the 2010 honor roll from the PBA site:

MAIN AWARDS

Best Blog in Advocacy Category – Web Safety Philippines by Sonnie Santos
Best Blog in Beauty and Lifestyle Category – The Reluctant Stylista by Alexandra Lapa
Best Blog in Business Category – Ready to be Rich by Fitz Villafuerte
Best Blog in Culture and Arts – Anik-anik Love by Mitch Mauricio
Best Blog in Entertainment Category – Without Wang2 by Nickie Wang
Best Blog in Food and Beverage Category – Happy Foodies by Ferdz Decena and Oggie Ramos
Best Blog in Gaming Category – Back 2 Gaming by B2Gamers
Best Blog in Hobby and Recreation – Back 2 Gaming by B2Gamers
Best Blog in Home and Parenting Category – iMom by Chats Siao
Best Blog in Humor Category – The Professional Heckler by Loi Reyes Landicho
Best Blog in Lifestyle – The Creative Dork by Robbie Bautista
Best Blog in Literature / Literary Category – City Buoy by Nyl Lim
Best Blog in Personal/Diary Category – Yoshke.com by Yoshke Dimen
Best Photoblog – Gerryruiz Photoblog by Gerry Ruiz
Best Blog in Social, Politics and History – The Pro Pinoy Project by The Pro Pinoy Project
Best Blog in Sports – Filipino Boxing Journal by Kenneth Ragpala
Best Blog in Technology Category – My Silly Point of View by Richard D. Feraro
Best Blog in Travel Category – Just Wandering by Nina Fuentes
Best Blog in Video and Podcasts – Pinoy How To by Buddy and Yael Gancenia

SPECIAL AWARDS

Best Blog Design – The Reluctant Stylista
Bloggers’ Choice Award – CHKSLG
Readers’ Choice Award – Green Archers
Best Filipiniana Blog – My Sarisari Store
Top Blog Post for 2010 – Do They Read Blogs in Heaven? by Yoshke.com

Top Posts for 2010
EXCLUSIVE: GMA Breaks Her Silence by the Professional Heckler
Sometimes We Are Lost by I am Fickle Cattle.
Fireworks, Hormones and this Blog Post by Yoshke.com

Top Photo Posts for 2010
A Solo Traveler’s Photo Story of Backpacking in Palawan by Ambot Ah!
Pahiyas Festival by Biyaheng Pinoy

Top Video Posts and Podcasts for 2010
Krimmy Couple: Of Bad Words and Saranghae by My Korean Boyfriend
Podcast 6: Being Friends with the Ex by Ria Jose
Krimmy Couple: The Korean Eats Balut by My Korean Boyfriend

VISAYAS

Best Blog in Culture and Arts – Michael’s Shades Of Blue
Best Blog in Food and Beverage Category – Flavours of Iloilo
Best Blog in Lifestyle – Ilonggos Network
Best Blog in Personal/Diary Category – The Rookie Blogger
Best Photoblog – Gerry Ruiz Photoblog
Best Blog in Technology Category – Tech Source
Best Blog in Travel Category – Ambot-ah

MINDANAO
Best Blog in Beauty and Fashion – Get Prettified
Best Blog in Food and Beverage Category – Kusina Maria
Best Blog in Lifestyle – Mindanaoan
Best Blog in Personal/Diary Category – Ganda Ever So Much
Best Photoblog – Charmie Tamba P&S Photography
Best Blog in Technology Category – Alleba Blog
- Something Geeky
Best Blog in Travel Category – GenSan News Online Mag