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 (: