Battle between old and new media

MANILA, Philippines - On a recent media trip, I got to bond with journalists from around the Asian region and we all got into talking about new media and how it is affecting our field, which I choose not to call old. Old school sounds better.

 “In our country, there is a fear of newspapers closing down. So many magazines have already folded up,” said one ASEAN brother. “And in our country, we can’t touch certain topics — it’s because of politics and religion,” said another.

In view of the foregoing, I often realize how lucky we are for having the freedom we are enjoying now. Can you imagine in other countries, they cane you for drinking?

 I am a firm believer of unification. That we can always work together. We live in one world, with one community big enough for both you and I, online and off-line media Sure, a lot of people read blogs, and yes, I am addicted to twitter (follow me!), but every morning, I still savor getting up, no matter what time, and grabbing my copy of The Philippine Star and the International Herald Tribune. I don’t get to read books much so I try to compensate by reading newspapers and magazines.

Best metrowear ever!

 Speaking of magazines, the ball game has changed. Magazines nowadays are so active throwing events. It seems like it’s already part of the equation with the advertising spend of brands, so each month, the marketing and editorial heads of the glossies spearhead this, launch that, party this, party that. Metro mag just had its most spectacular, spectacular! Metrowear that people are still talking about it. “Best Metrowear ever!” Those words came from Ernie Lopez, ABS-CBN Publishing head, who has been there since the first Metrowear. He wasn’t alone in his opinion, Facebook was flooded with entries and photos from phone cameras from mojos (that’s mobile journalists like you and me) and everyone was unanimous in praising fashion show director Robby Carmona in his staging. This creative soul’s next chapter always unfolds in each show he does.

  For this particular Metrowear, he created a three-level stage with live musicians and models, like a giant cabinet with partitions. From that box, he generated an out-of-the-box fashion experience. Even for jaded fashion watchers, this was one for the books. I am so happy for the Metro team, especially for editor in chief Katrina Holigores and creative director Luis Espiritu — what a way to celebrate the magazine’s 20th year!

Uno, Dos Version

 And while we are on the topic of magazine events, an unforgettable one was the relaunching of UNO magazine with our very own RJ Ledesma at the helm. Unforgettable for me because, aside from the Mercedes Benz cars and the hot, hot chicks, it was, for me, parents day! It’s heartwarming to see parents attend the parties of their kids. It doesn’t become a product or corporate affair — it becomes some sort of graduation party! The honorable Foreign Affairs Secretary Bert Romulo was there for son Erwin, who is the mag’s managing editor, Tita Emily Lopez was there for launch cover girl Celine, and Tita Fortune Ledesma was there (along with all of her friends to support) for son RJ. And RJ was there of course, along with wife Vanessa, for Baby Fortune. Baby Fortune is probably the most photographed baby on the block, second only to Baby James.

 On the baby front, I am extremely pleased to see Cris Albert smiling ear-to-ear on her birthday, which she made into a party-hop-till-you-can’t-stop event. Cris never does anything ordinary, so for her intimate birthday party, she chose to celebrate it over dinner and drinks at Barcino’s and then straight to Members Only, which dressed up its private room with balloons and other party favors. Cris is always at the top of things, being the lady boss behind Fila, among other brands. Tiva is her latest baby, and I am her love team partner. Yes, I truly am in love with this woman on top, who is now also a shoe designer. Belated happy birthday, my Crissy!

Victoria’s Secret And The Movies

What’s next is IT, IT, IT girl Solenn Heussaff’s hot, hot, hot birthday party at the VIP section of Embassy a few weeks back. “Come as your alter ego” was her invite and so people came in costumes of their other selves. Mond’s (meaning Raymond Gutierrez) angels, namely Solenn, Georgina Wilson, and Anne Curtis, all came as Victoria’s Secret models, complete with giant wings — how hot is that? Belle Daza was also a sight in sexy lingerie as she always is, anyway. Bea Constantino was a scene-stealer as Amy Winehouse. ”I’m wearing a bathing suit in a club!” said Solenn. A gold one at that. No one complained.

 On the dj decks was Solenn’s boyfriend Kristian “Commando” Hernandez, one of my most favorite music meisters, who despite having had residencies at New York night spot Cielo, among other happening spots in New York and Sydney, chooses Manila to be his home. “I’ve fallen in love with the Philippines,” he confessed. And with Solenn, of course. 

 Oh, I almost forgot — Danel Aboitiz came as G.I. Joe! He should have gone to the Taters premiere for the movie at TriNoma! It was the 15th year of our favorite movie companion and what perfect way to celebrate than by having nonstop popcorn, nachos, and everything else that the number one entertainment snack store in the country has to offer us movie fanatics!

 So you see, things can go together. Old school working with new school results in a vibrant fusion. Like “On The Radar,” also found in this paper. And while I love looking at photos online, I still savor looking at the party photos of the beautiful people in newsprint, like what you are doing right now. I hope you enjoy reading and looking at the pictures as much as we do preparing each Supreme issue for you.

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Sustain my addiction and follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap.