Collection: UK Makeup Invades Manila

Heavy rain and traffic did not deter Manila's hip and trendy crowd from making their way to the Rockwell Tent to witness the unveiling of another British brand to hit the market.  

The invitation said to come in sweet, colorful or edgy attire so upon arriving at the venue, the same vibe was seen and felt by guests -- from the design of the tent entrance, to the interior of the tent which was transformed into a colorful London high street.

This latest British invasion is Collection, one of the biggest makeup brands in the United Kingdom and is set to conquer the hearts of fashionistas with its beauty must-haves: the season's fanciest and quirkiest trends in makeup. The product displays were a big hit among the guests who tried out hues to determine which will suit their style.  They have a wide array of makeup for the face, the eyes and lips that is surprisingly affordable.

Collection product display

Collection makeup for the face...

...and colour palettes for the eyes and lips

A hip and edgy makeup brand, Collection celebrates individuality and encourages everyone to flaunt their personality in a variety of makeup colors.  These attributes and more were echoed by LF Asia's  SVP for Marketing, Licensed Brands, and Distribution Mr. Mario Salvatori, and Collection Regional Brand Manager Ms. Donna Dewhurst as they welcomed the guests and introduced the Collection brand in the Philippines.

(l-r) Mr. Mario Salvatori and Ms. Donna Dewhurst

For the launch, three styles/personalities were highlighted and by the Collection brand ambassadors: 

Collection brand ambassadors

pastel clad fashion blogger Camille Co for the sweet and elegant SOFTLY NATURAL look, whose favorite is the Lasting Colour Lipstick Sweet Tart; 

Camille Co

techno aztec inspired fashion blogger Laureen Uy for the hip and colorful POPPING PASTEL look, who raved about the Bedazzled Eye Palette; 

Laureen Uy

and rocker styled model/actress Solenn Heusaff for the the sultry and edgy ROCK CHICK look, who loved the Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner in Black.

Collection is available in fashion and beauty boutiques in Manila. Check out their website www.collectioncosmetics.com.ph for the list of stores, product descriptions and tutorials on how to achieve the Softly Natural, Rock Chick and Popping Pastels looks. Like them on Facebook at facebook.com/CollectionCosmeticsPH and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/CollectionPH to be updated with the latest Collection products and news.

The Great Women Brand

I first encountered the Great Women Brand at the Women in Media Session hosted by the Enabling Communities with Hope and Opportunities Sustainable Initiatives (ECHOsi) Foundation and the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) back in February. In the program, there was a talk by Jeannie Javelosa, president of ECHOsi and a presentation of the Great Women Brand. This is new and it got my attention.

The Great Women Brand products

It turns out that the Great Women Brand was created through the partnership of ECHOsi Foundation, ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle's non-profit arm, and the Philippine Commission on Women under a grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)with the goal of elevating the quality of both food and non-food products by women micro entrepreneurs from different regions of the Philippines.  

The brand is the result of the year-long Great Women Project, which had designers and product developers working with women microenterprises in Quezon, Leyte, Bohol, Iloilo, and Naga -- fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan, awarded designers and Movement 8 co-founders Tes Pasola and Ann Pamintuan, bag designer and exporter Renee Patron of Banago Bags (whose bags are in elite stores in the US like Nordstroms and Bloomingdales), Lenora Cabili of Filip+Inna (private trunk show to New York), product merchandiser Rambie Lim of Habi and rurungan Foundation, architect and designer Dan Lichauco, artist-designer-curator and ECHOsi Foundation president Jeannie Javelosa, product merchandise designer and graphic artist Reena Francisco and coffee product specialist Chit Juan, both of ECHOstore.  

Fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan with Miagao weavers

Designer Len Cabili in Davao

Charged with women empowerment, this program is focused on women helping women up the value chain, developing product variants and packaging, providing tools for smooth business operations, and opening new markets for their products.  

The trio behind the Great Women Brand (l-r):
Jeannie Javelosa, Chit Juan and Reena Franciso

The Great Women brand was launched recently at the Yuchengco Museum and was well received by the guests. On exhibit were food products, home textile accessories, couture and fashion accessories and home décor pieces.

Some products on display at the Great Women Brand launch

Currently, the Great Women brand products are available at ECHOstore Serendra, ECHOstore Podium, ECHOstore Centris, as well as in Tesoro's Handicrafts and Milkyway Café in Pasay Road, Makati City.

Because Business is No Longer Just a Man’s World

Not too long ago, a woman’s place is in the house – running the household and taking care of the needs of the children and her husband.  Then as times changed, she slowly began to learn and enjoy her rights and work for the accomplishment of her dreams.  Presently, although women are still struggling to “break the glass ceiling,” whether in corporate or in business, a big number have been recognized for their exemplary efforts in growing their own businesses.

The SGV Foundation and the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) jointly published a book that celebrates and honors the achievements of the Philippines’ top women entrepreneurs.  Launch recently, the book titled Aspirations & Inspirations: Filipino Women Entrepreneurs by Jessica Zafra features the 42 women winners and finalists of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines.

Reading the book will make you realize that the featured Filipina entrepreneurs are just like any other mother, daughter or sister who cared for their loved ones and did their duties and obligations to the family.  At the same time, the book will inspire you to attain your professional and personal achievements just as the women entrepreneurs did.  Their stories ranged from starting the business at home, continuing the legacy started by their parents, being pioneers of the industry, being married their business partners, switching careers, and to starting a social enterprise. 

Some of the featured women in the book are Lolita O. Hizon of Pampanga’s Best, Julita P. Urbina of Café Laguna, Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin of Multiple Intelligence International School, Socorro C. Ramos of National Book Store, Amelia D. Manas of Bruno’s Barbers, Gemma N. Bulos of A Single Drop for Safe Water, and Marianne G. Quebral for Venture for Fund Raising, among others.  Their businesses survived trials and grew to have great impact to the economy and to the society, touching many lives in the process.

WBCP President Chit Juan, author Jessica Zafra and WBCP Chair Boots Garcia

The book launch is one of the activities in celebration of the 10^th year anniversary of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines program, where The Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year award has been a vital part of.  With the belief that women entrepreneurs have a special gift, EOY Program Director Atty. Antonette Tionko has this to say,” Aside from having innate business sense, these women also show the power of compassion.  They have the ability to understand people and work within the dynamics of family, business and society.  The abilities of these women entrepreneurs are beyond question; but it may be their capacity for caring that makes them even better at what they do.”

On the other hand, the Women’s Business Council or WomenBizPH, headed by its Chair Ma. Aurora D. Geotina-Garcia and President Pacita U. Juan, will bring the books to the international conferences its members regularly attend or are invited to for speaking engagements.  Many WomenBizPH members are also Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines winners and finalists and they are also featured in the book.


This article was also published in HerWord.com 
http://www.herword.com/unwind/main.php?id=aspirations_and_inspirations

MCO Foundation Re-launches its Young Artists Development Program 2012

The MCO Foundation, established in 1985, is as a non-stock, non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion of classical and cultural arts. One of MCOF’s programs supports the young artists through its "Young Artists Development Program" which provides our young artists the experience through performance opportunities, endorsement, and exposure to a wider public. Oftentimes, the recitals of young artists under our aegis have become the artists’ official debut as an artist. The MCOF has featured numerous young talents who are doing well now in their respective careers.

The program has been offering Masterclasses, free of charge to teachers and students with hopes that it provides learning opportunities, wisdom, and pointers from master artists and to enable our young artists to hone their craft; and for our music lovers to have a better understanding on music. We have shared with the community world renowned cellist Li Qin Wei (considered to be the next YoYo Ma) and pianist Carmencita Sipin Aspiras. This annual program is made possible with the support of our partners Filipinas Heritage Library, Lyric Piano and BusinessWorld.

Every year, the MCOF chooses some of the most outstanding and promising young artists, and invite them to perform in a recital series. The invitation is based on the artists’ talent, seriousness in honing his talent, attitude, and willingness to work and learn to hone his artistry. We conduct interviews with teachers, friends, colleagues and the artists’ themselves. With the Young Artists Development Program, the MCOF wishes to develop Filipino artists that will inspire them to represent the Philippines in the field of international classical music arena and help uplift the music standards in the country.

The Young Artists' Series 2012 roster of artists with the theme- “Three prodigies now, tomorrow’s music Masters”:

• Violinist Christian Tan on July 12, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. He is a consistent NAMCYA winner, youngest musician to be invited to participate in the Asian youth Orchestra's 17 cities Asian tour and was single-handedly awarded with the Artistic Director Achievement Award by the founder and the music director of the orchestra - Mr. Richard Pontzious. He is currently under the tutelage of violinist Gina Medina and a member of Manila Symphony Orchestra.

• Soprano Elainne Vibal on July 19, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. She is a prize winner in the 2009 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and a student of soprano Camille Lopez Molina. She had just recently finished a series of performances as Maria Clara in the highly acclaimed Dulaang UP Production of De Leon's Noli Me Tangere and as chorus member in Musicartes' production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

• Flutist John Raymond Sarreal on July 26, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. He is another consistent NAMCYA winner, and recently received his Bachelor of Music at the University of the Philippine under the tutelage of Prof. Enrique Barcelo; and as well as under Antonio Maigue, Thomas Perrzoli, Bernard Goldberg and Hiroshi Matsushima. He also passed the Rome Music Festival Auditions to be part of the Rome Music Festival Orchestra.

Apart from our young talents in concert, we will have special performances. To kick off our program for the young, we will have:

• “Hommages “: A Tribute to violinist Donnie Fernandez on July 5, 2012 at the University of Makati. Donnie is an MCO friend, featured once as soloist with the Manila Chamber Orchestra; and a revered violinist whose demise at a young age is greatly missed by friends and colleagues. With an exceptional talent, Donnie entered the prestigious Julliard School of Music at the age of 9, had an active performance career; and was the concert master of the US Army Orchestra at the time of her passing last year. This tribute will feature the children of Donnie Fernandez who are keeping their mother’s memory alive through music -- Catherine F. Belleza, violinist, Isabel F. Belleza, flutist/pianist, Therese F. Bonoan, cellist; with collaborating artists --Robert P. Alcala, pianist; Mo. Ruggiero Barbieri, conductor and the Makati String Ensemble. 

To give our audience a taste of the best of Chamber music, we will present some of the mentors of our young artists in:

• “Trio” (The Best of Chamber Music) which will be held on July 20, 2011 at the Filipinas Heritage Library will feature three of the country's finest artists today headed by pianist Mary Anne Espina (2008 Alilw Awardee), violinist Gina Medina (Concert Master of Manila Symphony Orchestra) and cellist Wilfredo Pasamba (considered one the finest Filipino cellists). 

"Hommages" will be opened to the public for free. Tickets to the performances of Christian Tan, Elainne Vibal, and John Raymond Serreal are at P 500.00; and "Trio" tickets at Php 800.00 with discounts offered to students, faculty and senior citizens. 

For inquiries, please call the MCOF Secretariat at 750-0768, 0920-954-0053, Filipinas Heritage Library at 892-1801 or visit Ticketworld at 891-9999. This series is made possible through additional support from National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Alveo Land, City of Makati and the Friends of the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines.

Apl.de.ap: We Can Be Anything

In a progressing country such as ours, education is the one thing that parents can give their children to ensure a bright future because unlike material things, the knowledge and values we derive from school can't be taken from us. "With education, we can be anything!" is the echoing message that Apl.de.ap, the Filipino-American member of the world-famous Black Eyed Peas, wants to impart to the Filipino youth through his education advocacy campaign.

The "We Can Be Anything" education advocacy had a soft launch yesterday at the Grand Sunset Pavilion of Sofitel Philippine Plaza and provided selected media and guests a glimpse of the joint advocacy project of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) and the Apl.de.ap Foundation. The grand launch will be done at the Black Eyed Peas' Manila concert at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds on October 25.

We have seen how apl.de.ap has always been proud of being a Filipino as heard in his music and interviews. This education advocacy gives him a greater chance to help the Filipino youth and he uses his music and influence to enjoin others support the project. "I was born here and I'd like to give back to the Philippines by making it possible for more kids to go to school," Apl.de.ap said. "I would not have gotten this far were it not for education, and I'd like to be able to help the youth to achieve their dreams."

Black Eyed Peas' Apl.de.ap

The press conference was opened by Rafael Lopa, president of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), by giving an overview of what the education advocacy campaign is all about and how it came to be.

NCAF president Rafael Lopa

"We Can Be Anything" will support private sector efforts to build public school classrooms and other learning centers nationwide. As the NCAF's iamninoy-iamcory movement special ambassador for education, Apl.de.ap is lending his magic to boost programs like the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program of the 57-75 Education Reform Alliance which seeks to build 10,000 new classrooms within two years.

Mario Deriquito, one of the convenors of the 57-75 alliance

To get more people involved in raising the funds, the Ten Moves campaign was born. Spearheaded by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Ten Moves espouses the "10 pesos per day for 10 months" donation -- or P3,000 donation from each Filipino -- that would help finance the construction of the classrooms. According to Mr. Lopa, "It costs about P600,000 to P650,000 to build one classroom. So far, out of the 726 classrooms pledged, 428 have been constructed."

DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera

Department of Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera shared," DepEd's Key Mandates are: ensuring that all school-age children are in school; keeping the children in school; and providing the children quality education." The shortage in classrooms makes it difficult for DepEd to meet their key mandates since it reduces government's ability to accommodate all school-age children. The lack of education infrastructure also affects the children's interest in staying in school, thus affecting learning.

"We Can Be Anything" Video

The upbeat song "We Can Be Anything" was composed by Apl to make the youth relate to the advocacy campaign. An accompanying music video that Apl.de.ap co-produced with his best friend and B.E.P. colleague Will.i.am is currently being shown on TV and online. Share the video to spread the word.

Apl.de.ap telling his life story and why he is campaining for education

As the NCAF's iamninoy-iamcory movement special ambassador for education, Apl.de.ap was asked how he was as a student and he quipped, "I did pretty well!" Although he had trouble back then as a student because of his eyesight problem which gave him a hard time seeing the blackboard, he told us that , "I just copy notes from my classmates or I move my seat closer to the blackboard to see better. My adoptive father was very proud of my grades."

When asked about his favorite subject in school, he answered, "English," and shared this anecdote, "I knew I was going to be adopted so I asked my mom how I can improve my English and she advised me to read the dictionary."

As a student Apl "did pretty well."

It was no secret that Apl.de.ap was given good education (and a better eyesight via an operation) by the family who adopted him and brought him to the United States of America. "I still cherish my Pinoy roots and I would like to give back whatever I can to the Philippines. The best way to do that, I feel, is by creating opportunities for young Filipinos, " thus, the birth of the Apl Foundation in 2008 to help various communities and children within the Philippines and through out Asia.

(l-r) Mario Deriquito, Rafael Lopa, Apl.de.ap, Lino Rivera and Audie Vergara

Noticing how the education campaign seems to focus on resources for public school school classrooms, I asked them, "Do you have plans to come up with a campaign to help the Filipino teachers as well? Mr. Lopa said that plans to help teachers get proper incentives and proper training as definitely in the pipeline.

Advocacy materials: t-shirt, button pin and celphone charm

To know more about the campaign or to support it, visit www.wecanbeanything.com or www.facebook.com/WeCanBe AnythingHeroes.

Filed under EVENTS

A Memorable Eventure

This post is not about the event itself (although the photos are) but more of a recounting of the behind-the-scene adventures of organizing a big and important event (or what I like to term as eventure for event adventure). Just wanted to share, even vaguely, this kind of experience, not to brag about, but to learn from.

Host Issa Litton and BW president Anthony Cuaycong

talking about the countdown to the silver anniversary

BusinessWorld (BW) traditionally throws the big parties every 5-year increments of their anniversary. With that in mind, we were set on getting busy for the 25th anniversary next year in 2012. But since silver anniversaries are special, management wanted to hype it a year earlier and do a party to announce the countdown towards the 25th anniversary.

The reveal of the 25th anniversary logo

My Marcom group was tasked to put together a cocktail party for the company's friends and clients with barely a month from the date of the company anniversary and it wasn't until a week after that the venue has been fully secured. What ensued after are days filled with coordinating with the venue's events team plus the F&B people through phone, sms, emails and face-to-face meetings.

Ceremonial toast led by BW officers and board members,

with vice chairman Cesar Virata

Resorts World Manila (RWM) became my alternative work place, together with a staff of mine, as we discussed details for BusinessWorld's 24th anniversary party. Met with the events group, the theater group plus the tech group to give our requirements and also to know the restrictions of the venue. I can say that it was a breeze working with the RWM people because they are all professional and really made us feel that we are in good hands.

Clem Castro of Camerawalls rendered acoustic songs

The main venue was the 3rd floor Vestibule of the Newport Theater while the cozier 2nd floor Vestibule was to be the reception hall for guest registration and the photo wall. We were told that all they have was a simple wooden platform for a stage, basic sound system and lights. That had me worried because we had to stage a party good enough for the VIPs attending, without creating a big dent in the company's pocket. Maybe the guests can just focus on the delectable food that RWM will prepare for us.

The Company made the guests sing along and dance

Come ingress day, I was delighted to see the stage set-up. the plain platform I expected was instead a classy see-through acrylic stage that lights up beautifully. OMG! The guys in-charge surprised me to tears (well, almost to tears). Now, all we needed were the balloon pillars we ordered and the extra stage sound monitors we rented then we are good to go...for the main venue, that is.

A well-attended event despite the far venue and stormy weather

At the reception area, staff were propped down on the carpet with their hands busy cutting paper and tape, and piecing together a simple photo exhibit depicted "a day in a newspaper publishing company." At least, the RWM events team took care of installing the photo wall tarp on the steel frame...the minute they found out where the frame was relocated because it was used for another event. News of the frame's disappearance earlier that afternoon almost gave me a heart attack but since my blood pressure and heart is good, I got a terrible migraine attack instead which lasted until the party started. And I almost went to the event dressed as I was during ingress because I no longer had the energy to dress up for the occasion. I thank my joyful sparing partner for the event for pushing me to relax and take an energizing shower and prepare for the party.

Colorful musical excerpt of Repertory Philippines' Seussical

(currently showing at Onstage Greenbelt until Dec. 2011)

So the purpose of the gathering was to start the countdown to the silver anniversary, now what will we do for the programme? Where to source the entertainment? What else can we offer the more than 600 invited guests who will be coming from areas far from RWM? Its a good thing we have cultivated deep partnerships with the entertainment industry in terms of theater and music. With my able team, who did not give up on the follow-ups, we were able to invite artists who provided great entertainment for the night.

Saxophonist Michael Young from Manila Chamber Orchestra

Of course, my team did not accomplish the feat on our own. On the event night itself, the NTM group took charge of the programme implementation and tech stuff, and did a soft launch of BusinessWorld's mobile application; the creative group also pitched in for areas where art requirements were needed; the advertising group took care of the invitations, RSVPs and the event registration; and management and editorial supported the event.

Thanks to Resorts World Manila and our partners Lilystars Records, Viva Entertainment, Repertory Philippines and Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation that the event was a success and everyone was happy. We are the happier bunch to see that the efforts paid off nicely. Now on to the next eventure as we prepare for the big 2-5 for 2012.

Filed under EVENTS