The 1st ever Sarabia Jewelry Fashion Show

“…a night of recounting the stories of old, here in the city of Iloilo…an unveiling of styles through stories worn with utmost pride…”

These were the words of David Celdran, a TV host and personality, and the host of the 1^st ever high-end Sarabia Jewelry fashion show held at Museo Iloilo. I attended several fashion shows, and directed a few of them, but this is one of a kind. Models wore jewelries amounting to not less than 1 million pesos per piece! Like, seriously. And the Museo is secured by 40 guards inside and outside the place! I was really shaking before the show, a lot of what-ifs came into my mind but I stayed calm and enjoyed the show. Anyway, let me share to you the precious jewelry pieces worn by Bijoux models, clothes by Eric delos Santos and crafted in collaboration with George Ong of renowned designer group Alchemista.

The first collection, Amor, features jewelry pieces for the independent woman who wishes to emblematize distinct milestones and achievements, which they regard as their life medals. Amor collection is inspired by the intricacies of Iloilo’s own churches—specifically Molo and La Paz.

The second collection, Regina, as seen on the glass box are pieces meant to be worn by characters who are stylish, sophisticated, feels the need to wear pieces tailored to match their artistic sensibilities, and most importantly, have an appreciation for premium design. It was inspired by Sta. Barbara and San Joaquin Church.

And the last collection, which is my personal pick, Amparo, a collection that features the best among Sarabia’s timeless pieces, having it named after the family’s revered grand matriarch, the extraordinary woman named Amparo “Amparing” Cabangal Divinagracia Sarabia. A design house inspired by Jaro Cathedral and Miag-ao Church.

All pieces featured were ready for purchase by potential buyers. One great thing in the sale of jewelries that night is that a certain amount of money will be given to the survivors of the recent typhoon, Typhoon Haiyan and also for the rehabilitation of the region’s heritage churches damaged by the 2013 earthquake.

The event ended with a celebratory toast led by Sarabia Principals.

Some photos before and after the event.

#OOTD 

With my classmates during the socials. Yay food! 

With our awesoooome CMS 145 adviser, Kevin Piamonte 

With @Froilene Villanueva, one of the Sarabia Jewelry models

(all photos courtesy of Diody Fadullan)

#MakingSpotlight #MakingHistory

Greetings of fab-ness and couture! Welcome to my blog, The Spotlight! This blog will talk about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle (expect for OOTDs *wink). Basically, I was inspired by Cosmo, Preview, and other fashion blogs as to how I handle the topics and blog posts, the minimalist layout, and different sections of the Spotlight. I was also motivated by my passion towards fashion. I know some of you would say that The Spotlight is “another typical blog” but don’t worry; I will try my best to give you interesting posts that will capture you, and the rest of the fashion people around the country.  

 the newspaper version of Spotlight :) 

presenting... Spotlight Magazine 

The Spotlight is making its history because for me, I must say that Spotlight is already my branding from the time I enrolled in my TV production classes. Each time we are told to have a talk show prod, it’s always THE SPOTLIGHT. It continued up to my first ever-produced newspaper and magazine which was also entitled SPOTLIGHT. And now, here we go to the blog! I really love the fact that I am being consistent to the thing that I am doing right now. This blog is just for educational purposes, but I know that Spotlight will make its name in the history of fashion through online and hard-bound publication. Who knows? This is just the beginning, and I have bigger hopes that this will go far.  The making of The Spotlight is the making of history itself.

Fashion people of the Philippines, friends, enjoy the newest fashion blog that you’ll surely love! Stay fab! 

The Best and Worst Christmas Gifts Ever

There’s only a few days left from now ‘til Christmas and you have several people to buy gifts for. So before you buy one, consider these checklists. This may serve as a hint or warning to you on what to give to your loved ones. I surveyed some people about the best and worst material things they could ever get during Christmas season and so, THE Top 5 best and worst goes to… (Drum rolls)

Best Gifts:

5. Gift Certificates 

 (photo courtesy of bubblews.com)

It’s nice to receive a GC most especially if it is for shopping in a department store, buffet lunch in a restaurant, or a free 24-hour net in an internet café! I’m sure they will really love it especially so if they are fond of “libre” (free) things! 

4. Bags/Shoes 

(photo courtesy of Wikipedia.com and jacobcasem.blogspot.com)

Things that are always present on wish lists are probably bags and shoes. Are they Instagram addicts and kept on posting #shoefie (selfie for shoes), bags, or #OOTD’s? Then maybe it’s a sign! 

3. Perfume

(photo courtesy of 100mililitros.com)

For scent lovers, perfumes are perhaps the best gift. But you have to make sure that it suits their tastes! Be careful. *wink (100mililitros.com)

2. Gadgets

(photo courtesy of pcadvisor.co.uk)

For techy people, I guess nothing could be better than surprising them with cool gadgets! You have a wide array of choices: from smartphones, cameras, laptops, to wireless devices! 

1. Money

(photo courtesy of www.photo-dictionary.com)

Nothing could beat, I guess, for the best Christmas gift eveeerr—MONEEEEY! Of course, you can buy and do anything you want! 

Worst Gifts:  

5. Towel

(photo courtesy of made-in-china.com)

Congratulations! You gave them a gift that could change their lives every after they take a bath! Though it is a great help, but please! People know where towels are sold and they’ll buy them when they want them. 

4. Picture Frame

(photo courtesy of cpsc.gov)

This thing falls under the “practical gift” category. Again, if you think that this will make them the happiest person in the world because they have something that their picture can be put on, then forget about it! Christmas is about giving someone a gift they wouldn’t normally buy on their own, not giving them the chance to display their family pictures on tables and linger on the frame design.

3. Photo Album

(photo courtesy of hqwallpapersplus.com)

Same as with the picture frame. Enough said. 

2. Piggy bank

(photo courtesy of http://www.vangviet.com)

Nothing, again I repeat, NOTHING good can come from this gift. They will either come to the quick conclusion that you think they’re “One Day Millionaire” or like extravagant, or they will use it to save up money in a “cute” way. Except for you are giving it to an 8-year old kid. 

1. Kitchenware

(photo courtesy of evaluestores.com)

Can be in the form of glass, plates, spoon and fork, or knife- You gave them a gift they could only use once a year for about a day or when there is a party or fiesta! A slow clap for that matter. Unless you are buying it for a 50-year old woman with 5 cats, no one wants it. Trust me, a teenager will break down at some point because he/she is expecting best gifts listed on his/her wish lists! Maybe you’ve thought that it’s not just good for themselves, but for their families too. Well, congrats! Another add-on display to their cabinets.  

If you happened to receive some of the worst gifts listed above, then don’t worry because I also had my experience. Nevertheless, best gifts are indeed packaged with love. Have a fabulous Christmas and may the best gifts be in your favor! Werq!