Francis and his fantastic gowns

Francis Libiran’s newest wedding gown collection fulfills Everywoman’s fantasy.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
June 29, 2014

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English dramatist and writer Douglas William Jerrold said it best: “There is something about a wedding gown prettier than any other gowns in the world.”

You don’t need to look far for proof. In the recent Top 10 Prettiest Celebrity Wedding Gowns list, made by spot.ph, Maricar Reyes landed the top spot in her blinged-out ball gown created by master couturier Francis Libiran. Mrs. Poon looked delicate and divine in his creation made from soft tulle and heavy layers of silk organdy with intricate embroiled lace and embellished Swarovski crystals.  In classic Francis Libiran fashion, the gown evokes elegance, much like the iconic dresses the designer made for Miss World Megan Young and international supermodel Tyra Banks’s evening dress that gave her a place in the Best Dressed list in the annual Blossom Ball in New York.

At the recent fashion show staged in The Peninsula Manila, Francis reinvented the wedding gown silhouette women thought they already knew. The Maricar Reyes gown last year was only a preview. In his creations were pocketed serpentina long gowns (“So you can stash your cellphone and checkbook,” Francis says, laughing) and sheer and sexy and lightweight mermaid silhouettes. There is one requirement: A pair of sexy nude underwear. Francis brings to centerstage the “leg veil” fashion trend dominating Hollywood’s red carpets, where ladies wear floor-length dresses with legs on peek-a-boo, thanks to sheer material. Model Alessandra Ambrosio was photographed strutting the leg veil trend at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Actress Jennifer Larence also wore a sheer grey Dior floor length ball gown at the Hunger Games: Catching Fire LA premiere. But unlike Rihanna’s raunchy sheer crystal gown the singer recently wore for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)—which left nothing to the imagination—Francis’s are done with taste, and are wedding appropriate. His are dreamy creations with sheer sexy back, sheer sleeves, or sheer leg veil.

SEXY SILHOUETTE Fashion designer Francis Libiran and his muses Iza Calzado, Karylle Tatlonghari, Venus Raj, and Kim Jones in their wedding dresses that emphasize their respective shapes. (Images by Noel B. Pabalate)

For the more conservative, there are full-embellished, high neck gowns that spell classic yet modern. Francis plays with blush, white, and off-white colors.

Kim Jones

In the Bride Wars movie, Liv Lerner (Kate Hudson) exclaims while fitting her wedding gown, “You don’t alter Vera (Wang) to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera!” But in Francis’s case, any woman of shape and size can perfectly fit in his pieces. In Christian Dior’s words, “A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture designed to enhance the proportions of the female body.” From the thinnest to the curviest runway brides like Shamcey Supsup and Iza Calzado, the women owned the catwalk thanks to their elaborate gowns that emphasized their shapes. “I was thinking of different kinds of women—different shapes and different insecurities—when I did my designs, hence the variations of style. I want to show off their figure. Some are figure hugging, some are Princess cut. I really want to highlight their shapes and sizes because weddings are very special so I always put my energy to it,” says Francis.

The models’ “no makeup” makeup and simple chignon hairstyle complemented and completed the whole look.

For the dashing grooms, actors Sam Milby, EJ Falcon, Christian Bautista, and Jake Cuenca, all looked dapper and Mr. Sleek and Suave—much credit to their crisp and clean-cut tailor-made suits. The materials are made from velvet and wool.

Libiran’s favorite? Everything. “They’re all like my babies, it’s hard to choose.” Yes, Francis, we feel you.

No pair, don’t care

A no-nonsense guide on dealing with those singlehood feels

by Jacky Lynne A. Oiga and Nickky Faustine P. De Guzman
June 22, 2014 (updated)

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Here’s the thing, we don’t think anyone chooses to be single, it’s just a matter of a) no one likes you; b) you don’t like anyone, or c) both. But no matter what your reasons or circumstances are, they don’t really matter because singlehood is a blessing—you just don’t know it yet. Soon enough, you will know. For now, while the time (and feels) away with these self-help books and insightful singledom quotes.

I can say I’m quite choosy. I found someone whom I thought was ‘the one,’ Though it did not work, he raised the bar quite high. Nobody has ever

come close.— Cristina Raposa, blogger

Decide to be in a relationship when you see yourself with that person for the rest of your life. If not, what’s the purpose of being in one? I guess I haven’t found that person yet. —Janey Sandejas account executive

He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

Based on a popular episode of Sex and the City, this in-your-face book is a wakeup call for women. Greg and Liz know you’re a smart, beautiful, and funny, so don’t waste your time chasing after the wrong kind of man. You deserve someone better, someone who’s so, so into you.

I was cheated on by my boyfriend of six years. I decided it was way better to be single but happy than be in a relationship and be miserable

and paranoid. —Chuchie Ledesma, makeup artist

The last relationship I had was a long one. After that, I needed time to pick myself up. I needed to be happy with just being me. I wanted to rebuild relationships I put aside when I was still with my ex. —Renzelle Palma, travel writer

How to Find Your One True Love by Bo Sanchez

In Bo’s short but sweet self-help book, he divulges the eight steps to attract true love, the top 10 attraction secrets of a woman, and the number one attraction secret of a man. (How come a man only needs one?)

Getting married is like trading in the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one. —Mae West

I believe that ‘settling’ for just anyone who comes along just because one has been ‘single since birth’ or because everyone else’s getting engaged or married, or just to ‘experience’ having a boyfriend is unacceptable. —Lea Oiga, Neurology resident

Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled, and Independent by Judy Ford

This book packs a punch and speaks this universal truth: it’s okay to be single because everyone is single. Think about it. We are born single and “if we examine our situation more closely, we see that regardless of our relationship with others, we are still just one person.”

Have Him at Hello: Confessions from 1,000 Guys About What Makes Them Fall in Love… Or Never Call Back by Rachel Greenwald

Dubbed as the “Wife Maker,” Rachel Greenwald takes us through her fascinating 10-year research project on why guys call back one woman but not another. Here are unabashed answers and raw details every woman should read.

Young, wild, and free

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
June 17, 2014

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She could pass as a beauty queen, thanks to her statuesque stand. But the 25-year-old Hotel and Restaurant Management student Elizabeth Supnet chooses the road less travelled by girly-girls. She opts for the rough road often traversed by daredevils—because Elizabeth is a skateboarder.

“Wala lang,” she says when asked why, of all sports, she chose skateboarding. “My friends influenced me and I thought it was cool, fun, and thrilling,” says the skateboarder newbie, who has only started riding a month ago. She adds that gender does not matter once you’re on the road skating and doing tricks. Apparently, there are girls who are into the sport, but men, still, are greater in number.

Images by Noel Pabalate

“It doesn’t mean that because you’re a girl you cannot do it,” she says, “as long as you have the guts. Basta feel mo siya gawin.” She says she’s ready for possible bruises and cuts and broken bones because it is part of the game.

Demetrio Cuevas, 21, meanwhile has been skateboarding for seven years here and abroad. He’s been injured one too many but says it does not stop him from doing daredevil stunts and tricks. But why do them in the first place? “I don’t know, just riding for the fun of it I guess,” says Demetrio, sporting a cap and baggy shirt and pants.

In the Philippines, board sports enthusiasts, like skateboarders, are considered part of the subculture. Like gangsters, punks, rockers, grunge, and emos, skateboarders are part of the subculture many traditional Filipinos stereotype and fail to understand. Many still thought that they are “rowdy, destructive, and pa-cool.”

“I don’t know. Do you think we’re cool?” Demetrio asks me. “As long as we’re not doing anything wrong against anyone then, we’re cool,” he says.

Last year, a viral video of a Makati police and a teenage skateboarder playing in Ayala Triangle drew mixed opinions among netizens. The video excerpt showed the skateboarder and the officer pushing each other. Another viral video, with over one million views, meanwhile, shows American wakeboarding—another type of board sport where a rider slides over the water—daredevil Brian Grubb gliding on the Banaue Rice Terraces. The video drew split views as well. Some said the stunt was disrespectful of nature; others meanwhile thought it was cool.

Just outside the Manila Bulletin office in Intramuros, a group of young skateboarders often gathered in the Walled City. The street arts, beside the less trafficked road, add an extra dash of punk to their daredevil rides. So far, no one has complained against the kids’ pastime.

GO GIRL! Skateboarder newbie Elizabeth Supnet Shows off her tricks.

As much as skateboards want to play anywhere, there are sweet spots for skating: in Heartbreak Hill Juan Luna UP Diliman, Kapitolyo Park, BGC, and Circuit Makati, among others have open terrains perfect for riders.

Just recently, youngsters and hipsters gathered at Circuit Makati to party the release of True To This movie screening celebrating the 23 years of America’s first boarding company, Volcom. The 40-minute video captures the energy and artistry of board riding in its purest sense.

“This movie is a tribute to the ‘anti-establishment movement’ philosophy we adhere, meaning, breaking the barriers of what people think is acceptable. We’re not rebellious, but by ‘establishment’ we mean the norms that the society force on people who are pressured to become someone accepted by the community,” says Volcom brand associate Mikey Punsalan.

He adds that skateboarders only want to express their personality and individuality.

“I don’t think that skateboarders are innately disruptive, it’s just that people don’t give them the chance. People think they are noisy but they promote an example of strong community and camaraderie,” he adds.

The sport, according to USAToday.com, started in early 1950s in California when surfers wanted to practice on land. The rest, as they say is history. In the Philippines, meanwhile, the activity may have started in the ‘80s. One of the pioneers of the sports, Willy Santos, was hailed as “one of the best street skaters during the dark early 90s” by Thrasher Magazine. While the history of this action-filled sport is blurry in the Philippine setting, in Banaue, Ifugaos boast of their wooden makeshift scooters, which they use to traverse the rocky road of the mountains. During ancient times, men race against each other while on board the scooter to set land conflicts and ownership. But then again, history set aside, it all boils down to individuality. As book author Jim Morrison says, “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.”

Books for free

Is he our version of the late George Whitman of Shakespeare & Co. in Paris? This humble Pinoy street library has books—and wisdom—to share.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
June 16, 2014

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It’s almost five in the afternoon. Hernando “Nanie” Guanlao waves to the students on their way home, calling them to come check his books. “Browse through my collection. I have notebooks and textbooks over there,” Nanie calls out.

In Nanie’s booklandia—his books are spilling out of his house and onto the busy street of San Andres in Makati—no one needs a library card. There’s no overdue fine or membership ID. The only rule he has here is that there is no rule.

“Anyone can come and go and read the books for free,” says Nanie, who pioneered the Reading Club ten years ago. If you forgot to return the borrowed books, go ahead, that’s fine. “It’s an honesty system. If you don’t return the books or forget to return them, just make sure you share the books. Give them to your friends,” explains Nanie.

PAY IT FORWARD Mang Nanie says he wants to share the gift of knowledge and instill the value of sharing through his book club. (Images by: Pinggot Zulueta )

His makeshift library is bursting with textbooks and literary materials that are donated by bookworms in exchange of the paperbacks they borrow.  Among the books available in the Reading Club are those by literary giants Federico Garcia Lorca, Philippa Gregory, Jodi Picoult, Paul Auster, and Cecily von Ziegesar.

“If this were a hospital, it would be the ICU. Here, I get to resurrect the abandoned and lifeless books,” says Nanie.

Soon, through word of mouth, people and organizations started visiting and donating books. Gadgets, Travel, and Mabuhay magazines would often donate their back issues. The Rotary Club, TV5, and National Bookstore are among his supporters. This is how he replenishes his books. Books and magazines and notebooks often overflow in his humble, one-bedroom dwelling.

This was how his Books for the Barrios project came to life. The excess books Nanie receives, he donates to far-flung communities. From Tabuk in Kalinga all the way to Tawi-Tawi, and even to the survivors of typhoons Pablo and Yolanda, his books have traveled far and wide. “This is my simple way of sharing the generosity of my donors. All I want is to achieve social literacy. Contrary to the belief that fewer people love to read, there are hungry readers out there,” says Nanie, a former accountant who turned his back from the trappings of life and decided to live simpler.

“I’ve had lucrative jobs—then it all became complicated. I told myself, ‘Life should be simple and easy, why am I in a complex world?’” From his readings of the iconic Italian educationist Maria Montessori including her The Secret of Childhood, Nanie decided that he could only find satisfaction once he reconnected with his inner child. Since children are selfless and always eager to learn, he put up his library.

Incidentally, Nanie’s generosity and dreams have inspired Billie. Nanie hands me a flyer—Ysobelle “Billie” Dantis Irabon’s “advertisement,” a  Powerpuff and Cookie Monster sketch inviting kids to join her Kids Can book drive project. The 10-year-old kid collects books in exchange of her homemade cookies. She then turns over the books to Nanie.

“It’s good to invest in kids because they believe in your deeds and dreams,” says Nanie. No matter how cliché, the book hero believes that the kids—and the books—are our future.

Happy feet

Three young Filipino dancers set to conquer the world stage this month talk about their inner battles and making it in international competitions.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
June 16, 2014

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It’s a little over 10 a.m., but Jemima Sanielle Reyes, Victor Maguad, and Monica Amanda Gana show up looking like they’ve just rolled out of bed. Apparently, the life of a ballerina starts at two in the afternoon—at least with this group of dancers from Ballet Philippines.

“Ballet isn’t as popular as sports like basketball and football here in the country,” Jemima, 19, starts. “Mas benta, mas masa ang modern, artista kasi ang sumasayaw. Ballet is a fine art, and it’s an intellectual craft. When you watch ballet, you have to think—so only a handful of people appreciate it.”

LEAP OF FATE Jemimah, Victor, and Monica will represent the country in two international ballet stilts in Mississippi and Bulgaria (Images by Rudy Liwanag)

And yet these kids practice with fervor for the people who take the time to watch a recital—each one is a world-class performance. This dedication and passion have propelled them forward, giving the dancers a chance to show off their skills at two international stilts in the world: the USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) in Jackson, Mississippi on June 14-29, and the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria on June 15-30.

The IBC is a two-week Olympic-style competition for top young dancers across the globe, where Jemima and Victor will showcase their Black Swan, Aku, and Diana and Actaeon performances. Monica, meanwhile, will highlight Gamzatti in La Bayadere and Esmeralda in Varna Ballet Competition, the oldest ballet competition in the world.

Despite minimal support, the dancers are proud to represent the country. Philippine ballet, according to them, is at par with the rest of the world’s. They consider Japan, China, and Korea their biggest competitors. “They start training very early in China, and the government throws their support behind the dancers,” says Monica, who only started dancing when she was eight. “But we are not disheartened, because when Pinoys dance, it’s with heart. Hindi lang puro technical.”

Apart from the lack of support from the government and most Filipinos, a ballet dancer must also wage an inner war against his or her self.

“It is normal for any ballet dancer to feel burnt out from the everyday practice,” Victor, 21, who himself has given up on dancing one too many times, shares. “My mind says ‘Stop!’ but my body craves for it.” And so Victor, like many of his contemporaries, continues his intense love-hate affair with the art.

Victor shares that ballet dancers’ have short career spans. Their bodies get stiff and rigid once they reach a certain age. And international competitions only accept dancers 15-27 years old, a disconcerting fact because the dancers admit that greater opportunities thrive abroad.

“Before I entered college, I didn’t want to take performing arts because I was scared of my future. But my parents encouraged me. They said I can’t pursue something for money’s sake alone and that eventually, when I’m good enough, I’ll make a name for myself,” Jemima shares.

Besides, the dancers cannot see themselves doing anything else but dance. Save for Victor, who plans to venture into architecture when his career finally wanes. But for now he’s just enjoying the art he has loved for over 14 years. “Everyone can be a dancer, you can work it out if you want to as long as you have the passion for it, kung napipilitan ka lang, ‘wag na lang,” Victor says.

Jemima, meanwhile, ends with a statement that strikes a chord, “Media would be a big help [in promoting fine arts]. Everything that people love from pop culture to the arts are amplified by them. If only the media and the government emphasize the relevance of arts in Philippine culture then maybe more dancers like us will be inspired to embrace their crafts.”

Eat Like a Royal

Eat like royals

Here’s a chef, who has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, and he has prepared a banquet for you.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
June 5, 2014

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Marco Polo in Ortigas is not yet fully operational, but it’s already a showcase of what we can look forward to. Its two-month-old restaurant Cucina celebrates all things bright and beautiful. Francis Libiran designed the uniform of the attendants and servers. The interiors’ woodwork, which evokes the Banaue Rice Terraces, reminiscent of Singapore’s Parkroyal Hotel lobby, is designed by emerging furniture artisan Jinggoy Buensuceso.

But Cucina’s greatest delight is the food, fit for royals.

ROYAL TREATMENT Counterclockwise from left: Chili crab, warm Thai beef salad, French mussels, Cucina interior, pan-fried duck liver with spring salad, Chef Benjamin Roy Rendell, warm rock lobster thermidor, and Cucina’s Asian and Oriental station.
(Images by Noel Pabalate)

Its executive chef Benjamin Roy Rendell, with his almost four decades of experience, has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, various presidents like Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and prime ministers including former United Kingdom Prime Minister Edward Heath during state dinners.

He prepared lobster thermidor during Heath’s luncheon. And he will be making this creamy lobster dish sautéed with shallots and tarragon and infused with brandy and white wine available every Saturday in the kitchen of Cucina (pronounced ku-chi-na).

The rolled sea bass fillet, which he served for Her Royal Highness, is not available. Or, at least, not yet.

“We have no set menu, but our buffet has a wide selection. We want something recognizable on your plate,” say Chef.

Chef Ben is married to a Thai. Since Thais and Filipinos have almost the same palate, Chef says, what he has in store in Cucina are selections “closer to home.” There are a few Filipino food choices in the buffet, like pancit and sometimes adobo with balsamic vinegar, while every Wednesday there’s chicken inasal as well as pork barbecue with lemon, garlic, and soya with atchara and kropek on the side—but Filipino foodies do not seem to mind the mostly Continental and Asian offerings.

Besides the lobster thermidor and chicken inasal, it also offers five other permanent ala carte dishes available every day, which features the best of the best of Chef Ben and his team’s cooking expertise.

Chili crabs are on offer on Thursdays. Chinese chef Clifton Chianpian prepares artfully handcrafted dim sum and crabs, Cantonese-style. The only problem with his crabs, though, is it’s hard to get all the fatty, savory meat in every pincer. Request a crab clamp next time.

On Fridays, French mussels and French fries are served to showcase the finest imported mussels prepared in the age-old tradition of moules mariniere braised in herbs, garlic, dairy butter, Chablis wine, and beer for the extra kick. To cap off the weekend getaway, the Sunday offering highlights Filet of Beef Wellington (beouf en croute), coated with paste and wrapped in puff pastry. Weekdays are days for pan-fried duck liver with spring salad, as well as Thai beef salad with grilled US beef fillets mixed with Thai dressing and chili.

In Cucina, there are seven days, seven different selections, and seven reasons to stay, come back, and eat some more. And oh, singer Lorde says we can never be royals, but we beg to differ.