Philippine contemporary art at Manila F.A.M.E. International

Artists unite in the forthcoming Manila F.A.M.E. International as local galleries and artists exhibit their wares at the first Art:Mnl, a contemporary art show that aims to raise awareness on Philippine art and seeks to be the international platform for Philippine visual arts.

Joining the creative roster on October 15-18 at the World Trade Center Manila are: Art Circle Gallery, Art Asia Fine Arts, Dale Mathis Studio, Galerie Francesca, Gallery Big, Gallerie Joaquin, Masterpiece Art Gallery, Sining Kamalig Art Gallery, Syano Art Link, Heritage Art, Galerie Astra, Galleria Nicholas, Galerie Joaquin together with the Art Association of the Philippines.

Art: Mnl is a show within Manila F.A.M.E. International October edition. It will also feature art appreciation classes and auction. Time to let out those creative juices and support Philippine contemporary art, visit Art:Mnl this October! See you there!

Fashion Forecast Spring/Summer 2010

What’s going to be hot in the fashion accessories scene in 2010?

Whimsical neckpiece by Avatar

Time to polish those big chunky earrings, cuffs, neckpieces, and cocktail rings as Butch Carungay, Chief Creative Officer of Avatar Accessories, says these will be prominent next year.

Going green has always been in nowadays so check out those pieces that not only complement your wardrobe but make Mother Nature look good as well.

As for the colors, PJ Arañador, international lifestyle consultant in fashion and home, says in the running for dominant color are the metallics foremost of which is teal blue. Also, be prepared to see a lot soft feminine grays as they will be making a big comeback. Store those purple accessories for another season as its popularity is slowly declining.

Check out what’s hot and what’s not in fashion at Manila F.A.M.E. International’s FashioNation Hall on 15-18 October 2009 at the SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center.

Pretty by nature

There's been so much buzz on 'green' products everywhere. Even Brad Pitt lend his name to a global cosmetics brand (: But, long before all the 'green talk' began making waves, small companies in the Philippines have already been tapping nature for a vast of export products for health and wellness.

In the forthcoming Manila F.A.M.E. International October edition, a health and wellness zone is reserved for these companies who have embraced the green theme in their manufacturing and product dev.

Mr Peping and Ms Joy de Villa's Giga Products now included a baby line! We swear to their ginger and peppermint pain reliever and it is quite interesting to see them expand into new lines every now and then.

Meantime, if you've tried L'occitane's bath gels, you'd be reminded of Gold in Grass' lemongrass (Filipino is tanglad) aromatherapy scent. We had Ms Lilia Pelayo once in one of our media rounds and such a nice lady generously explained to us how their products benefit the communities as well. Photo below shows how manufacturers like Giga invests in packaging to get more buyers (: Nice gift ideas also.

See more of these Philippine products at Manila F.A.M.E. International Health and Wellness Zone, October 15-18, SMX Convention Center (:

Philippine Fashion at ASEAN Fashion Plus

If you are heading to Bangkok this weekend, see how Filipino fashion brands shine in the global fashion scene at the Challenger 2 Hall Impact Muang Thong Thani. Show begins this week and finishes on August 16.

According to Rhett Eala of Collezione, one of the top brands exhibiting, they are looking for possible chances of expanding in the regions and meeting suppliers who can provide unique applications to their brands.

This is also an important show for ASEAN countries because it also highlights the efforts towards the integration of ASEAN as a sourcing bloc.

Here's a preview: (From top to bottom: Gown by Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rhett Eala for Collezione, and Lulu Tan-Gan's)

Our team was able to interview Lulu Tan-Gan prior to the show via email and despite her prominent place in the fashion industry, she is probably one of the most accommodating creative persons we've come across with (: