Hello February
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anon
February is truly the month of love and my love for travel. As I begin preparations for my ultimate bucket list destination of Antarctica, I will bring my travel essentials like the Big Shy Nation mobile Wi-Fi unit and USANA supplements to make sure I am always connected and in tip-top shape. For this trip, I will be rooming with my constant partner-in-crime Tim Yap and we are so excited to experience this wonder through our expert travel agent, CITTI Travel with Shan David.
Although we missed him at last year’s Red Charity Gala (RCG), Tim promises to help me with the auction at this year’s RCG featuring fashion designer JC Buendia. At our welcome dinner and birthday bash for Maggie Gineta, past designers Rhett Eala and Chito Vijandre gave JC tips on mounting his show in October at The Peninsula Manila. Since the grand hotel is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, the show will surely be extra special.
Encouraging talent
Another program I support is the Asian Cultural Council Philippines, which gives grants to talented artists. To raise funds for the ACC Philippines Fellowship Program for Filipino artists and scholars abroad, the ACC Philippines, in partnership with Leon Gallery, will hold its annual benefit art auction on Feb. 14 at Leon Gallery Eurovilla. Current grantees in the United States include Joyce Sahagun Garcia, Maria Estela Paiso, theater artist Karl Jingco, and graduate fellows Aina Ramolete and violinist Alain de Asis, with more artists set to depart soon.
Auction highlights include a wall-size work by Malang and his family, a 1951 sketchbook by Fernando Zóbel featuring 51 artworks, a piece by Danilo Dalena from his first visit to the United States, a rare Amorsolo depicting the future site of the University of the Philippines, and the historic Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines, famously used in the West Philippine Sea case. A press lunch ahead of the auction was held at Milky Way on Arnaiz Avenue, attended by ACCP board members Maribel Ongpin, Isabel Caro-Wilson, Dedes Zobel, Malu Gamboa Lindo, and Tess Rances. Bidding begins at 2 p.m.
I was able to attend the press lunch before flying to Bangkok with Malu and the rest of the media team to watch the show of Rajo Laurel. He is also an ACCP board member.
The road to creative evolution
In its continuing mission to promote Philippine creativity, cultural diplomacy, and the cultivation of our country’s creative economy, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), announces the artistic presentation “Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi.” This event is a celebration of Philippine heritage through a 30-piece couture collection by renowned Filipino designer Rajo Laurel. The collection is slated to reveal an inspired visual journey, exploring the realms of Philippine identity, history, community, and geography, and finding harmony among these design narrative touchpoints.
This grand Philippine fashion showcase is part of the landmark partnership PCIDC established with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA). It is a milestone alliance that not only serves to enhance cross-border collaboration but also provides a platform for strategic trade.
“’Who is the Filipino?’ This is the question I explore in this collection, Lahi,” reflects Rajo. “Fashion has been my medium to understand heritage, identity, and culture—not only through materials, but through how our people interact, the values that guide us, and how these stories can remain relevant for today and for future generations.” He adds, “Being Filipino can mean many things. There is no single definition of our culture. With Lahi, my perspective bridges who we are and who we can become. Understanding our roots empowers the future.”
Rajo’s evocative design voice is emboldened by handcrafted works and accessories exclusively developed for the collection by some of the country’s most celebrated creatives such as Arnel Papa, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, Cholo Ayuyao, Monchét Diokno Olives, and MX Studios by Maxine Santos Tuaño. Together, they complete the design narrative with head-to-toe looks that crystallize the vision.
The result is a collection that blends elements of history, identity, geography, and community through the designer’s contemporary artistic lens. Rajo emphasizes, “Lahi is a storyboard of Philippine fashion developed through collaboration. Bayanihan is a core Filipino value. There is strength in creating a point of view together with other Filipino creatives. This dialogue opens up, deepens the conversation, and allows us to experiment, direct, and define new ideas and voices. The process was truly exciting and enriching.”
The welcome dinner was held at Nara Restaurant at Siam Paragon. This was arranged by Nara Restaurant Philippines owner Sheila Romero. The sumptuous menu was absolutely delicious from the first course to the dessert. For those who want to try a different twist of high tea, check out the Nara Philippines merienda treat with Thai savory and sweet canapes with lemongrass tea.
For this dinner, I made sure to wear one of Rajo’s creations so I headed to My Closet Manager to rent a gown. This sustainable store at Proscenium at Rockwell is a great idea so clothes could be repurposed and the selection is huge with various sizes.
My Closet Manager owner Genevieve Yalung pre-selected so many Rajo gowns for me to choose from. The entire process took less than 30 minutes. She told me there are thousands of outfits and that I should send my clothes too, just like Cat Antonio.
Whenever possible, we should all promote our country’s rich culture and amazing talents. This show of Rajo is just one way to showcase the beauty of the Philippines. I am looking forward to the Art Fair Philippines that Globe is sponsoring. There will surely be even more talented artists who will feature their art. I am ready for you, February!
