Rachy is blooming!

The only floral architect of the Philippines  Rachy Cuna  recently unleashed again his creative genius and came up with Bloom, Bloom, Bloom installation exhibit at the lobby of the InterContinental Hotel in Makati.

Known for the drama he pours into his artwork, Rachy, for his exhibit, unveiled 12 installation pieces that involved teapots and plates, chopsticks and lotus flowers, centuries-old wooden Buddha and antique jade bracelets.

Guests of the exhibit were treated to cocktail savories with floral ingredients prepared by the hotel’s executive chef Anthony Page who offered edible flower gourmet dishes at the nearby Prince Albert Rotisserie.

InterCon GM Christian Pirodon was also on hand to welcome guests to the exhibit. Guests who trooped to Rachy’s exhibit included Trade Secretary Dominador Domingo, US Embassy counselor for public affairs Rick Nelson, artist Betsy Westendorp, Menchit Ongpin, Marietta Santos, Metropolitan Museum director Cora Alvina, Ayala Museum curator Ken Esguerra, STAR columnists Rosalinda Orosa, Büm Tenorio and Christine Dayrit, National Book Store’s Sandra Ramos-Padilla, Dr. Annette David, Josie Joya-Baldovino, Popsy Aquino and Consul Severino Benedicto.

(From left) Jaqui Boncan, Rachy Cuna, STAR columnist Christine Dayrit and Ellen Roque.

Rachy whispered to me that this early, an invitation for him to mount the same show in Shanghai is in the works. Congratulations!

A big musical showdown

It’s common knowledge that almost every Filipino you see on the street can carry a tune or two. When it comes to singing, trust the musically-inclined Pinoy to get the microphone and sing a song.

Recently, Music Connection, a grand musical competition organized by Nokia, in collaboration with Star Records and Myx, held its big showdown at Eastwood Central Plaza.

(From left) Vocalist of Nokia Music Connection grand winner Chiro Band Toni Reynes with Nokia marketing manager Lissa Boluso, Star Records managing director Annabel Regalado-Borja, Nokia Philippines head of marketing Aveline Siy and Nokia senior account manager Mon Emata.

The venue was transformed into a concert hall with the crowd singing-along to the performances of six Music Connection finalists. The contenders delivered great Original Pilipino Music (OPM) medleys and played their memorable originals. But it was Pampanga-based acoustic group Chiro Band that was named the winner.

Competition judges included senior account manager of Nokia Philippines Mon Emata, Star Records album producer Jonathan Manalo, Star Records managing director Annabel Regalado-Borja and Myx VJ Robin Nievera.

Some of the country’s top performers like rap-metal group Slapshock, rock band Urbandub and singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal sang their much-loved OPM hits and teamed-up with the band finalist’s vocalists for an unforgettable number. Myx VJ Bianca Roque and Tutti Caringal of 6Cyclemind hosted the event. Lucky guests and texters were able to take home Nokia jackets and speakers during the raffle.

As top winner of Music Connection, Chiro Band received P200,000, Nokia X3 Touch and Type devices for each member and a recording deal with Star Records. The band members will also have their very own music video to be produced by Myx. The other finalists who made it to the Top 6 were Slash N Burn, Farrington Heights, Maan Chua, Mottaka and Ginoong Vitalis.

Nokia Music Connection first runner-up, Ginoong Vitalis.

This concluded the Nokia music series, all featured in this column, that transferred from one place to another leading up to its grand finale.

Origins of style

When fashion and music are merged, expect an alluring fusion. Indeed, it was a beautiful experience when Ayala Malls brought together fashion and music through Style Origin’s Fashion Beats.

Fashion Beats took on the first collaboration of fashion and live music on the runway. The first installment of the series was held at Greenbelt, which presented the latest collection of its premiere brands  Bally, Boss Black, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bulgari, Escada, Escada Sport, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Phillippe Charriol, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tod’s, with our very own Filipino Zone merchants  Aranaz, Arnel Papa, Atelier Avatar, Azucar, Barba, Bayo, Bergamo, Ana Rocha for Bijou, Charina Sarte, Jun Escario, Gaupo, Jewelmer, L Manila, Myth, Religioso and Victoria Mari. The runway was cued in by the sounds of Techy Romantics.

(From left) Ayala Land division manager Maricris Bernardino, Dong Rongquillo, Ruby Gan and Greenbelt GM AC Legarda.

Kids and teens took over the show dressed in Anja, Youiji & Me, Big and Small Co., Dash, David & Goliath, Gingersnaps, Collezione C2, H.A.B. Maternity & More, Boboli, Osh Kosh, Kids of Bayo, Orange Juice, Spin, Accessorize, Bratpack, Puma, FOX, Mothercare, Villebrequin, Lacoste, Tarte Tatin and Zara. The DLSU Streetdance Champions also performed. Kids and teens enjoyed the Kiddie Fun Fair afterwards at the Teens and Kids Zone in Greenbelt 5.

That evening, the Brass Munkeys opened the night with the Spring Summer 2011 collection from the casual, sport and fashion labels Vilebrequin, Adidas, Asics, Urban Athletics, 7 For All Mankind, Onitsuka, Gola, Gas, Topman, Topshop, Madison, Fitflop, Lyn, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Celio, Firma, The Black Shop, Michelis, Warehouse, Trucco, Promod, XOXO, Marks & Spencer, Springfield, Lacoste, Kate Spade, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein Jeans, Diesel, DKNY Jeans, Kenneth Cole New York, Raoul, Sinequanone, Massimo Dutti and Zara.

Others seen at the shows were Nix Alanon, Rosanna Aranaz, Star columnist Tim Yap, Francis Libiran, Sydney Yap, Ana Rocha and Jun Escario.

(From left) Choc Religioso, Ingrid Go, Cheryl Tiu and Yvette Religioso.