Hail our very own fabrics!

We have much to be proud of with our very own Philippine tropical fabrics!

At the Bagong Habi, Salinlahi event spearheaded by the Philippine Textile Research Institute, we witnessed how our local textiles have evolved to become more wearable. Clearly, we can go mainstream as proven by The Piña Shop through its knitted piña creations; with Bon Gavino-Gautier showcasing her chic uniforms; Jamie Anne Marie Espadilla with her trendy apparels with matching shoes and bags; Curitthy Manzanero with her cocktail dresses; and San Francisco-based designer Anthony Cruz Legarda with his contemporary, hand-embroidered wedding gown collection.

Eco-friendly, the Philippine tropical fabrics are made from the country’s abundant natural resources such as banana, pineapple, water hyacinth, maguey and saluyot. The dyes used to color the fabrics are from natural resources such as mahogany, guava, indigo, coconut husk, talisay and annatto. Less synthetic components means less hazardous waste generated.

Ethnic fabrics, in their more modern neo-ethnic versions, were also seen on the catwalk and in the mini-exhibit area, where the textiles were used for upholstery, table runners, wall divider, lampshade covers and other room decors.

Representatives of various government agencies and delegates from international organizations filled the hotel ballroom. The air was thick with national pride with the Filipino finding yet another avenue to shine!

A portrait of love

In celebration of the love month last February, Canon supported the Women in Love photo exhibit at the South Court of the Rockwell Power Plant Mall in Makati City.

The exhibit was a fund-raising event supported by women and their husbands who all gathered to raise money for the Philippine Red Cross Makati Chapter and Gifts & Graces Fair Trade Foundation. The money will go to the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Photographs were taken by Aly Reyes, Willy Saw, Wesley Villarica, Sara Black and Philip Sison.

The photo exhibit was spearheaded by Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Joining her were Kaye Tinga, Dr. Aivee Teo, Lara Villafuerte, Cindy Yang, Beng Dee, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Trina Alindogan, Tootsy Angara, Cris Albert, Ruthy Vera, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Timmy Antonio, Patty Chilip, Camille Mathay, Malou Ng, Tina Ocampo, Gia Ramos, Chatty Roxas and Crickette Tantoco.

Like all the photographs taken on a Canon camera, these beautiful women have maintained thrilling and exciting moments with their husbands — just like Canon that has been instrumental in capturing precious little moments to treasure for a lifetime.

Excitement runs high at Pyropalooza

Fireworks burst as hearts beat faster during the Close Up Pyropalooza held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. The grand Valentine’s event featured spectacular fireworks and a concert with American Idol runner-up David Archuleta.

DJ Jessica and DJ Josh Strike of Magic 89.9 hosted the love fest. Zia Quizon, bands Indios and Never the Strangers and South Border’s Jay Durias also entertained the crowd. Net sensation and real-life couple Jamich shared a presentation to the audience.

A special Close Up “pyromusical” number featuring the Close Up classic Closer You And I set up the romantic mood for couples who were present.

The Close Up Pyropalooza was the prelude to the Close Up Pyromusical, a grand fireworks event that will feature some of the world’s best fireworks masters. The pyromusical will continue every Saturday and end with its grand finale on March 17.