Coverboy Makes Another Cover

One of my favorite young actors of today is now traipsing into what seems to be alien territory—and for what its worth, I’m not complaining, really.

Joseph Marco, of Garage, Men’s Health and Chalk cover fame, is making every young girls' hearts sing with his (guess what?) YouTube uploads. Now at over 20,000 hits, Joseph’s first upload was a mellowed down acoustic version of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.”

And now, who would’ve thought, a toned down, soothing version of “Call Me Maybe” is to come from, well, let’s call it, Joseph’s cover factory. It’s a guy’s take on Carly Rae Jepsen’s summer hit that just made everyone dance (shamelessly, at that). With Joseph’s charm oozing effortlessly in the video, I am sure a recording deal is not far from becoming a reality.

Watch the video below!

O+ & Bench: When fashion and technology collide

O+ and Bench joined forces to come up with, to me, was one of the most excellent ideas ever staged. It was a magnificent marriage like no other.

Stylists these days are always on the lookout for what's current and relatable to many. So for me, witnessing an extraordinary battle of whose vision shines best is a unique concept. In celebration of its 25th year anniversary of being a style capital for every fashion-loving Filipino, Bench grants more access to its consumers by showing style dictations that excite and express each person's style preference.

Last December 2, 2012, six of Manila's top stylists were invited to join a stylish battle like no other. Fusing elements of Bench's and O+'s young and innovative brand personalities, Edlene Cabral, Macky Combe, Myrrh Lao To, Adrian Concepcion, Sidney Yap, and Kate Paras showed interpretations of youthful, fun and edgy fashion.

Sidney Yap won the grand prize with his edged out reconstruction of the basics. Adrian Concepcion's bubbly red and plaid segment earned the 1st runnerup award, followed closely by Edlene Cabral's military-influenced collection.

Judges of the competition were Philippine Star's Toff De Venecia, Philippine Daily Inquirer's JJ San Juan, Manila Bulletin's Liza Ilarde, designers Randy Ortiz and JC Buendia, PMAP president Phoemela Barranda and Bench endorser and O+ ambassador Joseph Marco.

The event was a success, no small thanks to the uncanny fusion of fashion and technology providing everyone of a brighter sense of individuality and a more developed grasp of what's in and what's hot. And I say, who's going to win next year?

O + Anton Barretto, me, and Angelette Calero

Esteemed panel of judges: Ystyle columnist Toff de Venecia, Preview’s Vince Uy, designer JC Buendia, Manila Bulletin’s Liza Ilarde, menswear designer Randy Ortiz, PMAP President Phoemela Barranda, Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 2BU Editor JJ San Juan, Bench endorser and O+ ambassador Joseph Marco sharing what they know best about style at the stylista battle.

Anton with the guests from Davao Robertino del Rosario, mom Rachel Del Rosario, Luisito Rabat and Lorenzo Rabat.

A+ for O+! The people behind O+'s entry in the Philippine market: Aveline Siy and Michael Tan

Master of ceremonies: Migs Anzures and his knack for keeping everyone engaged with his fun hosting skills.

O+ welcomes the newest member to their Android family. The O+ 8.9 Android is one packed mobile phone winner.

I heard that in a matter of days, these six designers were able to pull of 5 elaborately styled outfits. From left: Edlene Cabral, Adrian Concepcion, Kate Paras, Sidney Yap, Myrrh Lao To and Macky Combe.

Black magic: Myrrh Lao To's collection.

Preppy casual and young: O+ and Bench brand personality mirrored in Kate Paras' collection.

Retro glam: Macky Combe's collection.

Attention! Edlene Cabral's military concoctions made her win the third place at the competition. I love that special "parachute" entrance.

Red formation. Adrian Concepcion's red and plaid collection earned him his second place finish. Love the plus-signs!

Back to the future: Sidney Yap's homage to the basics and upgrading it to the future of fashion won the collection the grand prize. Check out the metallic add-ons on that pair of boots.

Joseph Marco for O+

I fell in love with this brief video I've seen with one of my favorites, Joseph Marco. The video is a 15-second preview of the coming O+ Bench Fashion Exhibition at the new Glorietta 1 Activity Center on Sunday, December 2, 2012.

A Bench endorser, the video shows Joseph marveling at the new offerings of the O+ 8.5 Android. I love how the video showed him enjoying these features, suiting his young and playful vibe.

On Sunday, Bench and O+ join hands in showcasing a first in the country, a unique fashion exhibition featuring 6 of Manila's top fashion and celebrity stylists including Sidney Yap, Ton Lao, Myrrh Lao To, Edlene Cabral, Adrian Concepcion, and Kate Torres. I am so excited to see how these pack of six stylists would present their aesthetic fused with vital elements derived from the two brands' stamp and personality.

So I guess, let's see all of their works on Sunday!

Coke-Araneta Christmas Tree Lighting 2012

Nothing lights up a festive season than the yuletide sparkles of a Christmas tree. But when you can't be satisfied with an average sized one, where do you run to? Simple, make a beeline at the Smart Araneta. Every year, Coca-Cola rouses the refreshing occasion with a Christmas tree lighting, but wait, it's no ordinary tree, make it 100 feet tall and you've got yourself 100 more reasons to cheer, just like how long Coca-Cola has been sharing happiness in the Philippines.

Last November 9, I came across this cheerful gathering and was filled, not only with festive glee, but with servings of the most delicious Pinoy food fares as well, sum it up with a cold glass of Coke and you're all set to open happiness! And as varieties may have it, there are food, drinks, freebies, and some of the hottest and youngest stars of today, from both ABS-CBN (Coke Ambassador Joseph Marco, Enrique Gil, Matteo Guidicelli & Jessy Mendiola) and GMA 7 (Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Louise delos Reyes & Alden Richards), not to mention the dolled up beauties from the Bb. Pilipinas (2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Universe Janine Mari R. Tugonon, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, International & 2012 Ms. International Semifinalist Nicole Schmitz, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Supranational & 2012 Miss Supranational 3rd Runner Up Elaine Kay Moll, and 2012 Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up Annalie M. Forbes). I could clearly say that it was an early Christmas treat for everyone!

Coke bottle mockups welcomed the guests!

Different booths were available at the venue.

Coke Happiness Bus

Loving the fiesta set up! Perfect for salu-salo! Kainan na!

A ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed everyone to the joyous occasion.

Salu-salo treat with Kapuso stars: Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Louise delos Reyes & Alden Richards

And the Kapamilyas: Enrique Gil, Joseph Marco, Matteo Guidicelli & Jessy Mendiola 

2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Universe Janine Mari Tugonon, 2012 Miss Supranational 3rd Runner Up Elaine Kay Moll, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas – International Nicole Schmitz, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up Annalie Forbes, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

From Coke Philippines team: Jaideep Kibe, Franz Decloedt, Nikki Lee at the Coke Happiness Truck

Hosts Robi Domingo & Megan Young

Protégé male winner Jeric Gonzales

Protégé female winner Thea Tolentino

Louise delos Reyes

Alden Richards

Matteo Guidicelli

Jessy Mendiola with Coke Philippines' Franz Decloedt.

Coca-Cola Ambassador Joseph Marco

Enrique Gil

Light up the happiness: 2011 Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup, Philippine Pizza Inc. COO Lars Peterson, Q.C. Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Araneta Center Inc. COO & EVP Rene dela Cruz, Congressman Bolet Banal, Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Guillermo Aponte, Marketing Director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, Happiness President Caloy, and Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay

All stars on stage!

X-Factor Philippines grand winner KZ Tandingan and the Mandaluyong Children's Choir singing "Ako," the Christmas anthem of Coke.

Coca-Cola Christmas Carol

For years, Coca-Cola has produced television commercials that are undeniably heart-tugging. Remember the video of our kababayans overseas who were gifted with a trip back home? Never fails to make me just grab a tissue. This year's commercial was no exception. Along with the message of keeping the spirit of Christmas amidst uncomfortable situations, the new Christmas commercial for the leading beverage brand showed one too many reasons why we are fortunate to spend another Yuletide season with our loved ones. "Sa kabila ng lahat, mas marami tayong dahilan para magpasalamat." As the new Coca-Cola commercial says. I've been singing this Christmas carol from the moment I first clicked on the link of the commercial and the thousands (and I'm pretty sure it'll be millions in a few days' time) of video views that it has attest to this. If you want to "experience" the video, watch the heartwarming video after the jump.

Maligayang Pasko, Pilipinas!

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama: Connect the dots!

If there’s someone who can easily be attributed to polka dots, it definitely is Yayoi Kusama. Kusama is a Japanese artist and writer who has worked through a wide variety of media like painting, collage, sculpture, environmental installations and even performance art all exhibiting her inkling on psychedelic colors, and pattern repetition.

Considered widely influenced by contemporaries including Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg, Kusama has been hailed a precursor of the pop art, minimalist and feminist art movements. Sadly, Kusama’s light faded considerably dimmed after turning her back to the New York art scene in the early ‘70s. But now more than ever, Kusama’s been described as one of the most important art luminaries of Japan, not to mention an embodiment of avant-garde.

Born in Matsumoto, Nagano into an upper middle-class family, Kusama developed a deep relationship with the arts studying Nihonga painting in Kyoto in 1948. Kusama has then created a name that is known for producing conceptual art with attributes on feminism, minimalism, surrealism, Art Brut, pop art, and abstract expressionism, married expertly with autobiographical, psychological, and sexual content. In fact, she is also a published novelist and poet, highly noted for her works in film and fashion design.

Recently, Marc Jacobs‘ admiration for the eccentric Japanese artist led him to partner with Kusama’s famous “obsessive character” when they first met in 2006. From this, an exciting collaboration was birthed by the luxury house of Louis Vuitton featuring another round of pumpkin-inspired products.
Kusama notes of this partnership, “Polka dots are a way to infinity.” Kusama’s “Infinity Rooms” is her largest one so far mounted in an exhibition space at the Louis Vuitton Maison on Bond Street. This then ran until June of 2012 and was described in their press release as a series of “immersive environments”. Above all else, Kusama is not just an artist but a writer waiting to be experienced.

Obsession can only be described in two words - Yayoi Kusama.
In her case, it's polka dots.

In New York City

"New year trend?"
Polka dots is all year round.

Yayoi's giant yellow-and-black pumpkin on Naoshima Island, in Japan's inland sea.

Don't be fooled by the hair, she is a design genius by heart.

Window display in Louis Vuitton Hong Kong.

Louis Vuitton and Kusama is equals to contemporary fashion.

Welcome to her world!

Love these Yayoi dolls!

How cute! I hope I can snag some.

Outside Dover Street Market in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.

As Gina Pareno said in the movie "The Reunion" - Connect the dots!

If you think the outside says it all, wait 'till you see what's in store.

One word - magnificent!