Bonne Foi, Chic Queen

So as promised, here’s my second blog post on Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012. And now, it’s about the show by Chris Jasler, Melchor Guinto, Philipp Tampus, and Veejay Floresca.

So first up, Chris Jasler—and his metallic studs and jeans!

In this part, boyfriend enjoyed watching coz he could finally relate. He’s amazed with those jeans! Oh I tell you. After seeing those models walked the runway wearing different versions & styles of jeans with metallic studs, you’d say “I want to wear one!”

And those male models were like HOT, too. Haha! Anyway, Chris Jasler’s creation gave a new twist to that same old jeans. And to tell you frankly, he did a really good job!

Very edgy, rockish, yet sexy!

Did I mention about metallic studs and chains? Yeah, that’s like that.

And those guy models were wearing heeled or heel-less shoes. Boyfriend and I were like “WOAH!” That’s fierce fashion!

And the man behind these? Chris Jasler—the picture on top. You really did a great job. Kudos!

So the next? Melchor Guinto.

Melchor Gunto’s works were not that “playful” or not that experimental, but what made them stood out was every work of his was refreshing to the eyes and looked comfortable to wear. He did not use metallic studs, chains, or whatever patterns. He just used basic colors, mixed and matched them up, and came up with such an admirable creation. And uh, may I add, his works can be worn every day, on a normal day. Isn’t it lovely to be fasyon on a normal day?

That guy on the middle (the picture on top, yeah) is Mr. Melchor Guinto. *clap clap*

Next would be Philipp Tampus and his bright, flowy gowns.

He started first with mini dresses.

Then followed by his long, flowy gowns. I love his gowns! Gosh, I wanna wear one of those!

Of all those gowns, this one on top was the one that I really liked! I’m hoping to wear it someday. Hi, Philipp Tampus! :)

Last but not the least is my favorite, Veejay Floresca.

What we liked with Veejay Floresca’s works? It’s traditional and modern at the same time.

I would die just to wear this white gown (picture on top). Please, Veejay Floresca!

I promised myself that it’s Veejay Floresca who’s going to design my wedding gown in the future. So Veejay Floresca, ready yourself okay?

I enjoyed the whole show and I can’t wait to go to the next Philippine Fashion Week event.

May 29, 2012. A historic day for our country.

If you’re watching the television, or listening to the radio since two o’clock this afternoon, you now know that the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines is convicted. The first public official to be convicted by the impeachment court. The first in history of the Philippines.

20 out of the 23 Senator-Judges voted for the conviction of the Chief Justice on the 2nd Article of Impeachment which was Culpable Violation of the Constitution.

Out of those 20 who voted, most of them just repeatedly praised themselves, or spoke like bitter potatoes, or did not even explain the legal points on how did they come up with such decision.

Those who voted in favor of conviction were Sen. Angara, Sen. Allan Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Drilon, Sen. Escudero, Sen. Estrada, Sen. Guingona, Sen. Honasan, Sen. Lacson, Sen. Lapid, Sen. Legarda, Sen. Osmena, Sen. Pangilinan, Sen. Pimintel, Sen. Recto, Sen. Revilla, Sen. Sotto, Sen. Trillanes, Sen. Villar, and Senate President Enrile.

Those who voted for acquittal were Sen. Joker Arroyo, Sen. Defensor-Santiago, and Sen. Marcos.

It’s in the rule that the defendant needs to have 5 “not guilty” votes to be acquitted, and 16 “guilty” votes to convict him. The rules of procedure on impeachment trial is better explained in an article by GMA News (See: The Corona Impeachment Verdict: How it’s all going down). It is said in the article that written in Senate Resolution No. 39, “To convict Corona, two-thirds of the members of the Senate must vote him to be guilty of a single impeachable offense. That is, the votes of 16 out of 23 senator-judges are needed to convict. A guilty verdict on any one of the articles results in a conviction. Anything less than 16 votes in all three articles of impeachment, and Corona must be acquitted.”

If you’d been watching this trial, you know that the Prosecution submitted eight (8) articles of impeachment to the impeachment court, but dropped five (5) articles in the middle of the trial saying the retained three (3) articles were sufficient or enough to convict Mr. Corona.

For facts sake, I will enumerate the articles that the prosecution team dropped, and those that they retained.

The Prosecution team dropped five articles. These articles are:

• Article I (partiality to Mrs. Arroyo in SC decisions)
• Article IV (irregularities in the issuance of the status quo ante order on the impeachment proceedings of former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez)
• Article V (gerrymandering in the creation of 16 new cities and the declaration of Dinagat Island as a province)
• Article VI (allegedly improper investigation of Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo’s plagiarism case)
• and Article VIII (failure and refusal to account for the Judiciary Development Fund and Special Allowance for the Judiciary)

And they (Prosecution team) retained only these three articles after lead prosecutor Rep. Neil Tupas explained that these articles were sufficient to have a strong case:

• Article II (non-disclosure of properties in Corona’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth or SALN)
• Article III (lack of probity, integrity and independence)
• and Article VI (irregularities in the issuance of a temporary restraining order for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last November).

If you witnessed awhile ago, the Senator-Judges only voted for one article, which was Article II. Many are asking, how about the other two articles (the Article III and Article VI)?

Sen. Sotto once explained in a press conference before the verdict day that once the Senator-Judges decided for Mr. Corona’s conviction in Article II, there would be no more voting for Articles III and VI.

So anyway, the impeachment trial has been like an afternoon drama of sorts for five months, and in those five months, I learned a lot—not only about legal points, or legal facts, but most importantly how our politicians and us, ordinary Filipinos, see and eventually learn from this issue.

So after this, how would we respond? How would we try to learn from everything that happened?

I saw on Facebook yesterday (right after the trial ended) this quote by Alvin Toffler (which I think applies to us Filipinos after what happened): “The illiterate of the 21st century are not those who can’t read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

After those five months, and with this epic conclusion today, what’s next? Will the Philippines move forward? Will it finally stop corruption? Or this is just a big mistake?

All I can say is as long as there are corrupt officials in the government, Philippines will never move forward. We will still face the horror of corruption, of unemployment, of poverty. And as long us Filipinos won’t do something to change what needs to be changed, history will just repeat itself.

I am no pro-Corona. I consider this trial a step leading to the right path. But after hearing the statements of some politicos on how they decided the case, oh Filipinos, how will we ever learn?

It only boils down to one thing. Election is one right that a citizen should not take for granted and should take seriously. This might be a cliche, but we should vote wisely. Vote not just for the heck of it but vote for the future of this country. 2013 is near. Hoping Filipinos will decide based on serious thinking and be not blind of what’s really happening.

So the next BIG question: “Where do we go from here, dear Philippines?” Hoping our way’s up, and not down.

I still believe in this government, in this country, and its people. Let’s not waste every opportunity to make our country better. If we want change, the change must come first within ourselves, and everything will follow. Let us be better Filipinos, and eventually it will make our country better.

I am sick of this corrupt, power-greedy kind of politicos and government we have now. I know you are, too. I am not bringing this country down, or bringing the ego of our President down. I am in support of him (the President, I mean) as long as what he’s attending to are the real and pressing issues of this country. If we want change, we need to start it NOW.

I am a proud Filipino, and forever will be. I just want a better Philippines for my future sons, daughters, and even grandchildren.

And thus ends the drama called impeachment trial. At the end of the day, it’s still history who’s going to be the judge. And with that, may God bless my beloved Philippines.

~Kathleen

Hi, readers! As you may all know (if you have been browsing this blog of mine) that I got two invites for two fashion shows of the much-talked Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012. Both shows were on May 26 (which was last Saturday) and held at SMX Convention Center. The Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012 opened on May 22 and got a successful closing on May 27.

(Top) View outside SMX Convention Center; (Below) The famous Ferris wheel in MOA By the Bay

So this was my first experience to watch a fashion show. Well, I had been wanting to go ever since but since I was a busy student before, I didn’t get to have time. So this time, I was given the opportunity to watch (Insert “kapal fezz” here) after I e-mailed two designers to give me e-invites to their shows. (Thank you Tina Daniac and Veejay Floresca.)

(Top) Credits to my boyfriend (who also watched PFW with me) for this photo

So because this is one of my hey-it’s-my-first-time-i-feel-like-i-am-totally-human-after-this experience, I’ll be blogging each show that I watched separately. Ready? So here we go. The Luxewear Collection show first. The designers: Anthony Ramirez, Roel Rosal, Julius Tarog, Aztec Barba, Dax Bayani, Joyce Pilarsky, Lyle Ibanez,Mark Tamayo, Melvin Lachica, Nolie Vineza, Pablo Cabahug, Popoy Barba, Richard Papa, Vania Romoff, and Tina Daniac.

It was my first time to attend a fashion show so I won’t be very critical with my observation of their designs. So bear with me, please.

The pictures below are random shots of my favorite designs presented during the Luxewear Collection show:

The designer that made a mark, for me, was Vania Romoff. Her collection was what I really liked. Well, she went last and she did not disappoint. Her collection reminded me of Paris. Her designs each had a Parisian touch—sweet and sophisticated, and uh, a classic. Other designers also have their own theme. What made me say “Yay” was when one designer (not sure which designer it was) used a local fabric for his/her designs. You know, it’s a way of promoting our local fabric since there are foreign fashionistas who also attended the show.

I really enjoyed the show. Our designers really have the talent that can be showcased worldwide. Way to go, Philippine fashion!

It has been the talk of the town (and even the world) the finale of the most-watched singing competition in the US, the American Idol. And just like many others, I kinda expected that it’s Phillip Phillips who’s going to win. Don’t get me wrong. If you are a constant follower or reader of my blog, you know that I am a Jessica Sanchez fan. But if I am her fan, why did I say that it’s Phillip Phillips who I expected to win?

It’s because American Idol has been kinda predictable for the last five or six years. Well, I am not an all-out American Idol fan. I just watched American Idol for the first time in 2004 when a Pinay made it to the top three (Hello, Jasmine Trias.) Then the next time I got to watch Idol was in 2008, during its 7th season. Since then, I had been watching it every year (except for American Idol Season 9) coz uh, I got hooked.

So anyway before I get off my point, what do I mean when I said American Idol has been kinda predictable for the past years?

WGWG TREND

For the past five years, American Idol was reigned by cuties—cuties with guitars, to be specific. Well I was not really aware of this WGWG thingy since yesterday when I finally consulted Google after being bombarded by the word “WGWG” in my timeline and news feed. So WGWG means “White Guy With Guitar.”And this perfectly suits fit what has been happening to Idol from years 2008 up to now, 2012. I kept on asking myself, why did guys like them win over ladies with “birit” capabilities, or men with stronger and much powerful voices? Well to tell you, for the past 4 years that I had been actively watching Idol, only 1 out of my 4 bets won the Idol title.

ROLL CALL:

SEASON 7: David Archuleta —but was swept by David Cook

SEASON 8: Adam Lambert —this one I still can’t get over with, Kris Allen won the title

SEASON 9: Didn’t watch it, was so busy with school at that time

SEASON 10: Scotty McCreery —Yeah, WGWG. But he’s the only WGWG that I really like because of his deep, bass voice. And he didn’t rely on using the guitar for the whole season, most of the times he used his voice. (Insert: “She Believes In Me” cover of Scotty McCreery) Basta, I know i’m being defensive of him. Haha! Please let me be, he’s the only AI bet that I had who won.

SEASON 11: Jessica Sanchez —and yeah, was overtaken by Mr. Phillip Phillips

So what’s with these guys? ONE ANSWER: APPEAL. But hey, I’m not saying they didn’t deserve the title, they did. They have that unique style and unique voice that made people like them; it’s just that (in most seasons) someone deserved it better. (Hello, Adam Lambert and Jessica Sanchez)

But please don’t hate me, okay? I don’t hate them (the WGWG winners, I mean). I am definitely happy with the successes they gained out of Idol. But I still do love Adam Lambert and Jessica Sanchez. *smiles*

HER LAST AND WINNING SONG

Can anyone please do the commenting on Jessica’s winning song for me? *shrugs* Okay, to keep it short, Phillip had a better winning song than Jessica. And, what happened? Winning songs of the past seasons are better-er compared to the uh, winning songs of Seasons 10 and 11.(Insert My Favorite Winning Songs Here: “I Believe” of Season 3 and “No Boundaries” of Season 8)

THE DUET THAT SHOOK THE WHOLE NOKIA THEATER

Was I the only one or that duet really was the “performance of the night”?

That duet by Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holiday gave me chills! It surely brought the house down. That proved how damn good Jessica is. I know, I know, you may say I just praise her because she’s a Filipina like me. But to tell you the truth, NO. There are other Filipinas who made it to American Idol Top 12 like Ramiele Malubay and Thia Megia, but I never supported them the way I supported Jessica. Out of all those four Filipinas who made it to Top 12, Jessica by far, for me, was the one who stood out. So suffice it to say, I supported her not just because she’s a Pinay like me, but because her talent is undeniably out-of-this-world. So amen to that.

P and J

Anyway, with Jessica and Phillip, aren’t they cute? I mean, they look good together! Hmmm.

Look at how Jessica hugged Phillip, and look at that smile of Phillip. Priceless photo. To the photographer, way to go!

This is so cute! *kilig*

This one’s cute, too! Ayiiieeeee.

Haha! Candid but too cute.

So what I do want to point out? Hmmm wala lang. They just look good together. *smiles* Do you agree? Yes or no? *smiles*

WAY TO GO, BEBE CHEZ!

I know I am not the only one who believes that there’s more way to go for our Idol, Jessica Sanchez. With that voice and talent, I know recording companies are trying to win her over and are persuading her to sign up with them. And with her young age, I know in the coming years, she will improve more and more, and will have a lot of number one records and songs.

She’s one of those who when singing, brings me to the other world—the world of Jessica. I choose one contestant every year not just because of his or her talent and voice, but more of the connection I feel with him or her. And that is what I felt with Jessica—the MAGICAL CONNECTION, the RAINBOW CONNECTION.

So with that, good luck Bebe Chez and I wish you more success.

P.S.: And also to you Phillip Phillips, good luck and wish you more success.

And this is it, after a year of testing my capabilities and determination, I am now officially a part of the NHK family! Yey! :)

Maam Charmaine (my co-workmate & co-reporter) made me this (the one on top). Isn’t she sweet? :) <3

We also had this mini “voting party” for Jessica Sanchez here at the office since today’s the Final Perfomance Night. Good lucK, Jessica! :) We wish you all the best.

And the best part? Boss bought me a Belgian Chocolate Cake from Theobroma to congratulate and to welcome me. Saya diba? Well, I shared it with my workmates and we were like so happy. Haha!

Anyway, thank you Lord. Coz if not without you, I won’t be here. I’m super blessed.

So friends, just keep on believeing and one day, you’ll reach your dreams! Dream on. :)