* I feel so unlucky, so unfortunate, so utterly and tremendously deprived of modern technology.  I haven’t been updating my blog lately. I was stripped off of every right I have in complete and long access to the internet for two whole months---BUT wait and cry no more---I am back from my graveyard. =D

* I was at the 2005 Metro Manila Fashion Festival held at the NBC Tent yester night. I was grateful beyond words for being part of that very huge event that called to celebrate the Filipino’s talent in the world of eccentrically mismatched fabrics and scintillating eye-catchers or simply put, Fashion. The said event showcased the wonderful creations of our country’s most inceptive and prevailing brands today: Bayo, Cinderella, Folded and Hung, Freeway, Novecento, Plains and Prints, Rustans Culte Femme and Rustan’s Men. Not only that. Behind this event were the great minds of our country’s best stylists, designers, directors, video producers and production people. The concept of this festival sprang from two persons worthy to be called SUPER. Publicist GP Reyes and advertising man Robby Carmona gave birth to this whole new idea of standing proud for one’s wonderful works.

 * modelling for Culte Femme *

 * modelling for Freeway *

 * Brent Javier strutting his stuff *

 * kids also modelling for Plains and Prints *

I was at the event and it’s not about rubbing elbows with these great people that put me into an elated, almost trance-like mood, but the fact that we, Filipinos, are capable of reaching greater heights and achieving things that other leading and first world countries can. We are more than what we think and we are so much capable of doing praise-worthy things than we think we can. Why don’t we, even for just a while---even for a fleeting time frame, stop patronizing international brands and just focus on what our local designers have to offer---because they do have A LOT to show. They’ve got talent that’s world-class, superior quality even. What they need is more exposure and support from YOU.

I never had the same outlook towards this revolutionizing concept we call “fashion” since. It’s not about splurging money---wasting every penny you got to buy clothes and accessories. It’s not about climbing the social ladder by means of ostentatiously dressing up and catching “their” attention. As cliché as it may sound, it’s about you being yourself. Proclaiming to the world who you can be and who you are and setting no limits for yourself. It’s about creativity, diversity and courage---the courage to put into effect what you have in mind and the bold soul to put aside what other people think of you---because, after all, it is better and only right to, as the homegrown saying goes, “Live to please no one but yourself.”

I couldn’t agree more.