Filipino Fashion Week in New York

 ‘FilipiNxt’: Manila takes Manhattan

Miss Charlize

Business Mirror

April 1, 2024

Filipino, Filipina, Filipinx. Next. Nxt. FilipiNxt.

Picture this: a world where Filipino creativity is not only recognized but celebrated on a global scale—as part of New York Fashion Week—organized by Filipinos for Filipinos.

This vision is coming to fruition with FilipiNxt: The New Era of Philippine Fashion, a fusion of heritage and innovation, on May 5, 2024 at 4W43 in New York City. The revolutionary event will feature the collections of Bessie Besana, Michale Leyva, Wilson Limon and Veejay Floresca.

The ambitious fashion odyssey had a special preview on March 12 at Marriott Hotel Manila with FilipiNxt cofounder Rob Mallari-D’Auria, Marriott Manila’s cluster director of sales and marketing Lala Quilantang, fashion designer and FilipiNxt founder Bessie Besana, and host Janeena Chan welcoming guests with a toast of gratitude.

“On behalf of our multi-property vice president for the Philippines of Marriott International Bruce Winton, it is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each of you on this momentous occasion,” Quilantang said.

“Today, we stand at the crossroads of history, celebrating not just one, not just two but three remarkable milestones—the wonderful 15th anniversary of Marriott Manila, the 10th edition of Marry Me at Marriott, and the launch of this groundbreaking collaboration with Manila to Manhattan through FilipiNxt,” added Quilantang.

In May, Marry Me at Marriott will be featured in the New York staging of FilipiNxt. In July will be the 10th edition of Marry Me at Marriott at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, and the third season of Marriott Moments A-Fair: Dream Weddings and Events Expo at the MGBX, Marriott’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) venue.

“This one-of-a-kind partnership promises to redefine hospitality and fashion globally and locally, or should I say GLOCALLY. Today we will witness the dawn of a new era in Philippine fashion alongside the iconic Marry Me at Marriott. Together, these two innovative platforms shall embrace the rich Filipino artistry while conquering the global stage,” concluded Quilantang.  Meanwhile, Mallari-DAuria, the FilipiNxt cofounder, talked about the state of Philippine representation in the US fashion scene.

“We’ve got some incredible talent, no doubt about it. But you know what? We’ve never had a dedicated Filipino American Fashion Week in New York. Yes, we’ve had some designers showcasing in these events, but they mostly blend into other non-Filipino productions,” lamented Mallari-DAuria.

So, what’s the plan? Mallari-DAuria and designer Besana are making some bold moves.

“Because this generation of Filipino talent is creating designs that will grab the attention of the global audience, if given the right platform. And, that’s FilipiNxt,” said Mallari-DAuria. “This is a project that will tap young, talented and gritty Filipino designers to showcase their work for people to see and purchase. With resources, mentorship and killer platforms, FilipiNxt provides a showcase of their work.”

Besana, who is based in New York, will open the maiden FilipiNxt show with a collection he calls “Whispers of the Cosmos.”

Known recently as the creator of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s wedding dress, Besana’s design philosophy “revolves around the intersection of contemporary style and the inherent beauty of the human form. With an unwavering commitment to flattering silhouettes, his creations embody a perfect symbiosis of modern trends and classic sophistication.”

A day after the special press preview, Besana noted: “A lot has happened in the last 48 hours—from the idea of creating a show, to finding every single person to fit the roles and to working with all the creatives that believed in the vision that we have, it has been a whirlwind of an experience. I am proud to have produced FilipiNxt with Rob and this is just the beginning of everything. But what I do not forget is the core of who I am today. I am a designer and I will continue to hone my skills and my craft to show the world what a true Filipino talent is.”

After shows in Manila and Paris, Michael Leyva is set to conquer New York next with his newest collection, Heaven of Angels, a tribute to his late brother Brian who’s now his guardian angel. With his use of luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments, and silhouettes that exude opulence, his creations are “often a harmonious marriage of classic elegance and modern sophistication, creating a visual spectacle that leaves an indelible impression.”

Wilson Limon and his brand NiñoFranco, will showcase Davao creativity with his upcoming collection inspired by the vibrant heritage and traditions of the indigenous T’boli ethno-linguistic group. As a hardworking member of the board of trustees of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, he has hands-on experience in fashion, product design and branding innovation.

Representing the creative community of Los Angeles, beauty queen and designer Veejay Floresca will present her collection of timeless elegance and eco-conscious clothing. She is adept at combining “minimalism with contemporary trends that reflect the changing world of fashion.”

“This fashion collection draws inspiration from classic menswear tailoring, reimagining it through the lens of sustainability and upcycling. Each piece in the collection incorporates elements of traditional menswear, such as sharp lines, structured silhouettes and fine craftsmanship, but with a modern twist,” Floresca explained.

“I always believe in Filipino creativity especially when it comes to fashion. To be part of the FilipiNxt maiden show is an honor!”

Pinoy Boxer Regains Minimumweight Crown in Japan

Melvin Jerusalem stuns Yudai Shigeoka in Japan for WBC minimumweight crown

BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

Manila Bulletin

Mar 31, 2024 

After a series of misfortunes, Philippine boxing has finally risen and Melvin Jerusalem was the anointed one on Easter Sunday, March 31.

The pride of Bukidnon defeated Japanese defending champion Yudai Shigeoka via split decision to wrest the WBC minimumweight crown before a hostile crowd inside the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.

Jerusalem knocked down Shigeoka twice, first with a booming right in the third round and another in the sixth round to get the nods of the two judges at the end of the 12-round bout.

The 28-year-old Filipino fighter had judges Jae Bong Kim and Barry Lindenman scoring the fight in his favor with a similar 114-112 scorecard while judge Malcolm Bulner had Shigeoka winning with a 114-113 count.

Jerusalem improved his record to 22-3 with 12 KOs while Shigeoka absorbed his first taste of defeat after nine bouts.

The Filipino fighter was the aggressor in the early goings of the fight, dictating the tempo with timely body shots that obviously hurt and slowed down the Japanese champion. The booming right then staggered Shigeoka who fell to the canvas but immediately got back up in the third round.

Needing to recover from the early knockdown, Shigeoka pressed the fight and also landed heavy hits to the head of Jerusalem including a big left in the fourth round. The Japanese kept coming in the ensuing frames before the Filipino caught him with a right counter straight that sent him down to the canvas for the second time.

The stunning win not only allowed Jerusalem to return to the top of the minimumweight division but he has also given the country its first and lone world champion after several notable compatriots fell prey to the thriving Japanese boxing in the past few months.

He ended that curse that seemingly haunted Filipino fighters in the Land of the Rising Sun after Marlon Tapales and Jerwin Ancajas both lost their respective title fights against the champion brothers Naoya and Takuma Inoue in Japan.

Even compatriot Jake Amparo fell victim to the curse hours earlier after losing via second round knockout in the co-main event against Yudai's brother and IBF minimumweight champion Ginjiro Shigeoka.

For Jerusalem, it was a repeat of history after he also won his first world title in Japan after he defeated another Japanese champion in Masataka Taniguchi last year in Osaka to wrest his previous WB minimumweight belt.

Philippines has the Best Islands in Asia-Pacific

Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’

Story by Ghio Ong

28 March 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine.

DestinAsian based in Singapore listed Boracay and Palawan as among the “Best Islands” in its 17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards this year.

Boracay ranked fifth while Palawan was ninth.

A photo of paraw boats sailing amid the sunset in Boracay was featured.

Palawan was highlighted with a photo of limestone cliffs surrounded by clear blue and green waters.

In a Facebook post, the municipal tourism office of Malay town in Aklan attributed the recognition to the “collaborative efforts “ of the local government of Malay, the tourism office, stakeholders and local volunteers who make Boracay Island “better than ever. “

As of March 26, at least 499,120 tourists, 137,800 of them foreigners and 7,131 overseas Filipinos have visited Boracay this year, according to the tourism office.

Bali in Indonesia topped DestinAsian’s 10 “Best Islands” list, followed by Maldives, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, Boracay, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, Palawan, and Lombok in Indonesia.

The result of this year’s DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Award was “a roll call of 230 properties that the voters deemed to be the top places to stay in the region, compiled alongside favorite cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines and more,” the magazine said.

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's best Restaurant

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants for 2024

Story by NICK GARCIA

28 Mar 2024

Filipino restaurant Toyo Eatery in Makati made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants anew, landing 24th on this year's list.

The 50 Best websites noted in the citation that it prioritizes Filipino people and produce, fostering long-term relationships with local farmers and artisans.

It presents local ingredients in modern ways, playing with fermentation and preservation techniques to create a bold palate of flavors, it added.

Toyo Eatery, whose name is based on the Filipino word for soy sauce, placed 42nd in the Asia’s 50 Best List 2023.

It was also named the Philippines’ best restaurant in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Japan’s Sézanne topped this year’s list.

Toyo opened in 2016 along Chino Roces Avenue. It's being run by Jordy and May Navarra.

The 50 Best website said its menus are scattered with references to popular culture and elevated by clever plays on flavor and texture. 

Its signature dishes include gourmet pork barbecue skewers made with three cuts of meat and finished in bone broth, as well as a salad referencing Bahay Kubo.

Philippine economy on a roll

 Economy seen growing faster

Story by Niña Myka Pauline Arceo 
Manila Times
26 March 2024

ECONOMIC growth will likely pick up this year due to higher infrastructure spending by both the government and the private sector, economists from the University of Asia (UA&P) and the Pacific and First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) said.

First quarter growth, in particular, was forecast to hit 6.1 percent — up from 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 but slightly lower than the year-earlier 6.4 percent.

"The economy looks set to accelerate in 2024 ... as infrastructure spending goes into high gear with the national government (NG), buoyed by official development assistance funding, and public-private partnership projects gain traction," the economists said in the March edition of their Market Call report.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth came in at 5.6 percent last year, slowing from 2022's 7.6 percent and missing the government's 6.0- to 7.0-percent target.

This year's growth goal currently stands at 6.5-7.5 percent, although this could have been lowered last Friday following an economic managers' meeting. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto told reporters last week that a 6.0- to 6.5-percent could be adopted.

"With actual NG spending in 2023 exceeding program by 2.0 percent, we think the administration will start 2024 with a bigger bang compared to 2023," the FMIC and UA&P economists said.

They noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways alone had been given a P1-trillion budget this year and that the $3-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport expansion project had just been awarded.

And while inflation may have picked up in February — to 3.4 percent from 2.8 percent a month earlier — "we don't see a repeat" as rice prices abroad have started dropping and as global oil price rises will be weighed down by surplus capacity and a weak Chinese economy.

Consumer price growth could hit 3.7 percent in the first half but drop below 3.5 percent by the third quarter, and the full-year average will fall within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' 2.0- to 4.0-percent target.

The economists said the first quarter average could be lower at 3.2 percent and maintained a full-year forecast of 3.8 percent.

Exports, meanwhile, are expected to rebound this year but the Philippines will likely again run a trade deficit as imports will also remain elevated.

"We should see a modest 5.0%-10.0% increase in exports for 2024 as the global economy recovers," the FMIC and UA&P economists said.

"However, the trade deficit will remain above $4.0-B (billion) per month on average," they added.

"But hefty rice imports, transport equipment especially related to ongoing train systems expansion, and crude oil prices remaining elevated despite limited upside should boost imports."

The peso is expected to strengthen in the first half as the dollar weakens slightly but will "resume falling as economic growth takes a faster pace."

Bond yields, meanwhile, will depend on whether the impact of inflation is positive or negative, and share prices that rose up the middle of March are expected to correct in April-May "but recover with the economy and good corporate earnings for Q1 (the first quarter)."