Newsmakers

Michael Cinco: A fashion presentation

November 1, 2011 | 12:00am

Dubai-based international Filipino designer Michael Cinco held a very successful Manila debut and his biggest to date for the annual Red Charity Gala at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The show titled Michael Cinco: A Fashion Presentation was another collaborative effort between Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.

The Rizal Ballroom reflected a luxurious Grecian-inspired fortress aptly mirroring Cinco’s newest collection, which took inspiration from his travels to Greek cities of Athens and Santorini.

Clad in Cinco’s creations, the 40-piece collection shown on the runway was composed of couture pieces dominated by shades of white, light gray to bolder hues such as yellow, orange, red and brown. These pieces were embellished with sequins laser cut glass and beads that showcased Cinco’s eye for detail and precision.

Cinco said, “I’m excited to be a part of this event because it is not only to celebrate Philippine fashion but also for a good cause. It’s my way of giving back for all the support and success I’ve been fortunate to have all these years.”

Ever since Cinco moved to Dubai in 1997, he has become a hit in the emirate with his own couture house that specializes in wedding gowns and unique dresses. His creations have been worn by singer Lily Allen and socialite Paris Hilton. Most recently, he was the featured designer in the last season of America’s Next Top Model.

Guests also indulged in a Greek-inspired feast by Makati Shangri-La’s executive chef Franco Brodini. There was also an auction for charity where at stake were a roundtrip ticket to any European destination from Etihad Airways, a Philip Stein watch, a Charriol bangle, a Jul Dizon brooch, a pre-loaded HSBC credit card, a Canon photo package, a B&B Italia chair, a Remy Martin Louis XIII bottle, a Celestina croc bag, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, an Ivan Acuña painting and Sunlife personal insurance.

Marina Benipayo closes the show.

An exhibit entitled Women In Love, a collaboration between event sponsors Canon and Pond’s was also displayed outside the Rizal Ballroom.

The show was directed by Ariel Lozada with fashion styling by Noel Manapat and hair and makeup by Patrick Rosas. It was presented by Megaworld, in cooperation with Audi, PGA Cars, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Smart Infinity and Etihad Airways. It was also sponsored by Fila, HSBC, Pond’s, Resorts World, Sun Life Financial, Makati Shangri-La, Preview and stylebible.ph. Media partners were BusinessWorld, High Life, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star. Co-sponsors were Jane Iredale, SMDC, Samsung, Remy Martin and Canon. Special thanks to Diptyque, Luxe by Goldilocks, Robert Blancaflor Group, Villa del Conte and W17.

A new bar experience

Barely one year in the highly competitive Manila nightlife market, Seventh High has been getting a huge chunk of the crowd with its new offering every month.

Miguel Pastor, STAR columnist Mons Romulo and Ben Chan.

Just last month, Guji Lorenzana and Janjay Coquilla were the main feature of The Club Room during Chill Thursdays. Every Wednesday, DJ Nina Saputil takes Ladies’ Night to a new level with her intoxicating beats. Seventh High has turned midweek partying to a VIP experience. And the weekends are only bound to get better, as the bar’s Boutique Club gets Ron Poe of P&P tattoo. MC Paolo Avila joins the Daylight Crew for more madness in Heaven Fridays.

Seventh High’s The Lounge also recently launched a new bar concept called Apex. It is a concept entertainment bar dedicated to fun, relaxation and sumptuous drinks and cuisine.

Apex promises more diversity and interactivity. From comedy nights to acoustic jam sessions, a unique programming will be launched to cater to the young professionals and just about anyone. Apart from this, a new range of bar chow will be offered as well.

Even the aesthetics will be revamped to become even more artistic and fashion forward. Owner Jose Haresco says that the highlight of Apex, however, is its goal to create a more dynamic drinking and bonding experience by creating exciting games and activities tied up to drink promos.