Saturday, December 29, 2012

Vision in white




























“Vision in white”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 29, 2012

The dashing Capt. Marvin Inocencio proposed marriage to the love of his life, Joy Frances, not only once but three times.

The first wedding proposal happened years ago when they were celebrating New Year’s Eve outside Joy’s family home. As they watched the motorcycles pass by raucously dragging tin cans (Davao City has an existing firecracker ban), Marvin suddenly asked, “Will you marry me?”.

The surprise suddenly made Joy hesitant. After all, she was only 22 years old with a promising career as an area manager for a pharmaceutical company. She was also still enjoying their 4th month as sweethearts. But, Marvin assured Joy that he was absolutely certain about his feelings and intentions for her.

“Marvin explained that why should we wait a long time when he was convinced that I would be the perfect wife and mother of his future kids?”, Joy recalls, this time, with amusement. By Marvin’s constant prodding, Joy finally relented and said “yes”.

More precious than diamonds

A few months after, while on a visit to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio, the couple dropped by the famed Kissing Rock.  It was here that the young soldier gave his PMA bull ring marking his second marriage proposal.

This time, Marvin told Joy that no diamond can ever equal the four years of hardship he endured at PMA to earn his degree. The Pangasinan-born Marvin graduated cum laude and graduated 8th in his batch. The bride-to-be was speechless and moved to tears. That same year, Marvin and Joy had their civil wedding.

During their 6-year marriage, Joy was a hands-on mom to daughter Francesca Alexandra or Lexi while running a successful business, Party Fanatics and DIY Party Balloons and Party Supplies. Joy also owned a jewelry business which she inherited from her mom, Engr. Florentina Exaltacion-Salip Ahmad. On the other hand, Marvin’s military career was also in the upswing as he was promoted several times receiving accolades for his exemplary performance.

Dream wedding

After the birth of their 2nd daughter Mariana Atasha or Ariane this March 2012, Marvin asked for Joy’s hand in marriage for the third time, saying that he wanted a church wedding. Joy was thrilled but was again worried. “I was thinking of my figure because I just gave birth!”, Joy laughs.

“We also considered a lot of factors such as my health and Marvin’s next assignment which would most probably be in Luzon or Visayas”, Joy shares. They figured that organizing a wedding outside Davao would involve more work, money and time. Most importantly, the Inocencios wanted to receive God’s blessing in their marriage. So, finally, the church wedding was a “go”!

Joy always wanted to have a fairytale military wedding. “Since I was a child, I would dream of having a wedding like that of the princesses I’ve watched in Disney movies”, the bubbly Joy divulges. The creative bride wanted to have simple yet elegant decors with crystals and dramatic lighting.

The couple agreed on having minimal decors in the reception.  The groom only had one specific request --- all-white flowers which he always envisioned for his wedding.

Vision in white 

W
edding organizer extraordinaire Noel Tanza of Golden Touch was brought in and, as expected, magically executed the couple’s plans to reality.

At the Sta. Ana Parish Church, the aisle was festooned with assorted white flowers and whimsical lamps which gave a romantic glow to the Inocencios’ dream wedding. A white carpet with the couple’s personalized logo was laid out for the couple and the entourage.

As Joy was about to march, their five-year old daughter Lexi, the little bride, proudly held a sign which announced “Here Comes My Mommy”.

The bride’s shining and shimmering wedding gown was a beautiful collaboration by Patahian’s Aztec and Popoy Barba. The duo also created the gowns of the two mothers, little bride and the baby bride, 9-month old Ariane. The entourage’s gowns, on the other hand, were by the talented Marco Laurencio of Renaissance Haute Couture.

The all-white theme was also reflected at reception held at the Marco Polo Hotel’s grand ballroom. The couple had specific instructions to Noel, “No disco balls. No extra big table centerpieces/vases. No twigs and other decorative extras. We did not want crystals on the tables and covered walls”. All these requests were considered by Noel. He and his wonderful team executed the Inocencios’ ideas in amazing detail.

Towering cake

When it comes to cakes, Marvin knows that Joy is totally in love with them. “Our daughters have their monthly cakes and my birthdays are not complete without a cake”, Joy smiles.

So, when Marvin asked Joy about her dream wedding cake, she told him straight, “I want a 10-feet 12-layer wedding cake”. Of course, Joy did not expect Marvin to give her the cake of her dreams. “It was not practical and too much to ask from him”, she says.

However, Marvin asked his bride to draw her dream cake and gave it to Cake Temptations. “I really thought it was not possible. I even told Cake Temptations to have their own design instead of my own which had specific height, layers and diameter of each cake. I’m that O.C.!”, Joy giggles. But, eager to please, Marvin insisted to go with Joy’s initial design because it was her dream cake. “Until now, I still couldn’t believe we had my dream giant cake on my wedding!”, Joy reminisces.

Military touch

Noel’s team headed by Miles Pandian took care of the military program. “He worked closely with Marvin, especially in implementing the military traditions such as the first dance, “My Kaydet Girl”; the dance with Marvin’s Mistahs (classmates in PMA); the slicing of the cake using the sword; “The Arch of Swords” in the church (during the processional/recessional); and even the “order for push-ups” after the church ceremony!”, Joy explains.

“The highlight of our wedding is really the military ceremony. That made our wedding extraordinary. One of our wedding godfathers told me months before, “Anyone can have a luxurious wedding but not all can have a military wedding. So even if you will just have a simple wedding, be happy because it is unique”, the jubilant bride recalls.

Joy never predicted that she will have the wedding she has always dreamed of as a child. She and Marvin were already married in civil rites and have two kids. So, she thought that spending for their dream wedding was not really practical. But Joy feels she is blessed to have a loving and supportive husband. “He gave me more than what I expected. In fact, he promised to marry me in church every 10 years!”, Joy gushes.

“I will never forget the day I walked down the aisle and married Marvin. If we married in church 6 years ago, I know I would not have had the same feeling. We were too young then. The church wedding that we had was more of a renewal of vows and a commitment to make our marriage and love for each other stronger. Having God’s blessing through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is the happiest decision we’ve made this year!”, Joy enthuses.

***

Marvin and Joy consider all their wedding guests as important. But, they would like to especially acknowledge their principal sponsors, most of whom traveled from Luzon and Visayas just to be with them on their Big Day, namely: Admiral Damian Carlos and Mrs. Merlita Carlos; Lt. Gen. Jorge Segovia  and Mrs. Pia Segovia; BGen. Hernando Irriberi and Mrs. Aurora Carolina; Col. Cesar Idio and Dr. Yolanda Tuason; PS Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa and Mrs. Pia Angela Lopez; Col. Roberto Ancan and Mrs. Janet Ancan; Col. Gilbert Saret and Mrs. Christine Saret; Col. Teopisto Cabagnot Jr. and Mrs. Mariane Manansala; Lt. Col. Cesar Molina and Dr. Emy Molina; Lt. Col. Manolito Montiel and Cong. Maricar Zamora; Lt.Col Raymund Dante Lachica and Mrs. Teresa Regis; PSupt. Roderico Roy Jr. and Mrs. Ma. Salocin Musong; Gov. Arturo Uy and Mrs. Carnelle Canamaque; Mayor Voltaire Rimando and Architect Charleen Alquiza; Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Dr. Lily Mudanza; Board Member Joselito Brillantes and Mrs. Melinda Dela Cruz; Engr. Segismundo Exaltacion Jr. and Mrs. Zaldinia Exaltacion; Mr. Louie James Espanola and Ms. Liza Piamonte; and Mr. Franco Tito and Mrs. Marina Welborn.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Style sisters


















“Style sisters”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 15, 2012

Young Cebuanas Jacklyn and Kryz Uy are two of the most dynamic style setters in the Philippines.

Jacklyn, 25, has a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) while Kryz, 22, graduated with honors from Ateneo de Manila University with a major in Communications Technology Management and minor in Enterprise Development.

Together with their equally posh 31-year old sister Diane Uy-Ang who has a Master’s degree in Industrial Economics from UA&P, the Uy sisters own and operate What A Girl Wants, a chain of fashion boutiques in the country.

Kryz’s phenomenal blog, “THIRSTYTHOUGHT”, is one of the top fashion blogs in the Philippines.

Let’s get to know more about the style sisters, Jack and Kryz, in this exclusive interview.

      How did your love for fashion begin?

Kryz: I’ve always loved it. When I was young, my family operated a few department stores around Cebu called Rosita’s, so all my family members would always know what’s in trend, and what style was a must-have for each season.  I grew up watching my mom, aunts and sisters look so chic and sophisticated, and I always wanted to emulate them. My love for fashion developed and strengthened when I studied in Paris for a semester back in 2008. I discovered what my personal style was, and learned so much about fashion and how it affects so much around us.

Jack: The first time I saw Audrey Hepburn, I was hooked. When I was younger I used to watch her movies over and over again. It didn’t matter what she was in, she was always gorgeous, and I just loved her style. I remember thinking - I can’t wait to grow up so I can go to Rome, chop off all my hair, and ride a Vespa around the city in a short sleeved polo and a long full skirt.

Who is your greatest fashion influence?

Kryz: My mom. She has always looked impeccable and has always dressed with effortless style and class. I want to look like her, even though she’s 30 years older than me!

Jack: Audrey Hepburn

What was it like growing up with a fashionable mom and sisters?

Kryz: It made me who I am- always looking for stylish pieces, experimenting with trends and knowing that fashion is not just about vanity, but making yourself feel good, allowing yourself to be creative and to express yourself with your style choices, and making a statement to the people around you, and respecting yourself and everyone around you by making the effort to look presentable.

Jack: It was great! There’s always someone there to help you on those days when your hair is a mess and absolutely nothing you put on looks good.

Whose idea was it to start “What a Girl Wants”? Please share your story.

Kryz and Jack: Our eldest sister, Diane, started it back in 2004. She was working in the corporate world, bored and unhappy about the lack of options for fashion in Cebu. She decided to open a small stall (shop in shop) in Ayala. The stall did pretty well and gained a large loyal following that the next year, Ayala offered her a space for her very own boutique.

Diane opened Ayala Cebu and LimKetKai CdO at the same time in December of 2005. In 2007, with the persuasion of WAGW customers to build a line for their boyfriends, Diane decided to open What A Girl Want’s for her MAN. That’s how it all started and now we are proudly at 9 stores (10 by Feb 2013) in the key cities of Manila, Cebu, Davao, CdO and soon in Bacolod. Plus, our online branch: www.shopwagw.com is doing very well and tapping on the international market! Hopefully, that’s where we’re headed next!

What are your individual roles in the business?

Kryz and Jack: Diane is in charge of all the operations and finance. Jack is in charge of Marketing (photography, conceptualization, photography, direction, print, collaterals, etc.) and the online shop. I do Designing, Merchandising, Styling, Display and Digital Media efforts.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of working together at WAGW?

Kryz and Jack: As sisters, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we play on them to get the maximum results. Luckily, we all have different skill sets, and together, we make a pretty good team!

What’s a typical day like?

Kryz: No day is typical! We’re always in meetings, events, in store, flying around, having photo shoots, etc.!

Jack: Most days we’re in front of our respective computers, typing away, when all of the sudden someone voices out a craving for coffee or cookies, and the next thing you know we’re all snacking and laughing about something hilarious that happened that week.

Kryz, how do you manage wearing different hats as a successful fashion blogger, creative director, businesswoman, stylist and product endorser?

It doesn’t seem like much work when you enjoy what you’re doing! I take things one at a time and try to maximize my day to fit in all these activities and people! I don’t look at it as a burden, or a set of “to do’s”, I’m actually very thankful for my blessed life and happy to be where I am with my family and friends beside me!

How are Dabawenyos responding to WAGW?

Positive! We’ve been getting good feedback about how different our brand is compared           to other labels, and how our style is very distinct and up to date. We couldn’t be happier!

Check out the style sisters’ blogs at www.jackkaye.wordpress.com and www.kryzuy.com.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.


****

“What a Girl Wants launches Davao’s Young Ambassadors of Style”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 15, 2012

What a Girl Wants, every fashionista’s haven, recently launched its Young Ambassadors of Style for Davao.

The Young Ambassadors of Style is “an annual selection of the city’s fresh new faces and stunning style setters, individuals who epitomize the brand’s image of style, substance and youthful exuberance”.

Presented in the campaign’s debut are Davao’s eco-advocate Lorenzo Rabat, fashionable future doctor Milen Aquino and preppy aspiring dentist Ccia Ang.

Marianne Louise Aquino, or Milen, is a 20-year old BS Biology major who just recently graduated from De La Salle University. She aspires to become a successful doctor someday. Milen is a classic beauty which translates to her style – simple yet sophisticated. It’s no surprise that her style icon is Audrey Hepburn, whose delicate features are much like Milen’s. In her down time, she likes to do pilates, travel, dance and read.

Chelsea Marie Ang, or Ccia as her friends and family like to call her, is a 20-year old Dentistry student of Davao Medical School Foundation.  She dreams of putting up her own orthodontic practice as soon as she finishes dental school. Ccia’s style is simple and elegant, and like Milen, her style icon is Audrey Hepburn. When she isn’t too busy with school, Ccia enjoys spending time in the kitchen, cooking and “baking up a storm”. She also likes to cuddle up with a good book.

Lorenzo Leon Rabat, or Enzo for short is a 21-year old Civil Engineering Student at the De La Salle University who dreams of making the world a better place by promoting sustainable development. He wants to focus on green-building methods and technology to help preserve the Earth’s natural resources and contribute to the fight against global warming. A nature enthusiast, he loves going to the beach and mountains. Enzo’s personal style reflects his easygoing nature. His staples are his shorts and sunglasses, both essentials for the outdoorsy life he enjoys.

During the launch, WAGW’s Young Ambassadors of Style for Davao were featured wearing the brand’s holiday collection.

According to WAGW’s Creative Director Kryz Uy, “This collection brings about feelings of luxury and elegance juxtaposed with rawness and distressed modernity, making use of stunning brocades against laser cut leather, metallic spikes on elegant satin, heavy embellishments on figure skating spandex, giving the wearer a sense of refinement, excessiveness and class with today’s edge and sense of self-power.”

The ladies behind What A Girl Wants, the Uy sisters- Jacklyn, Kryz and founder Diane Uy-Ang - continue to stand behind their vision to satisfy the shopping needs of vibrant and edgy girls and boys ages 18 to 30 who exude street chic by providing them with a wide selection of apparel, bags, footwear and accessories to further emphasize their personal style. With new arrivals in limited pieces in store every Friday, collections are always up-to-date with current fashion trends.

From what started as a corner stall in Cebu in 2004, What A Girl Wants will have a total of 10 boutiques in the key cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, Bacolod, and Metro Manila by February 2013.

WAGW is located at Abreeza Mall Davao and is open from 10am-9pm. Other branches can be found in in SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Consolacion, LimKetKai Mall Cagayan De Oro (CDO), Centrio Mall CDO, and inside The Ramp Crossings in Trinoma, Shangrila, Glorietta.  To shop online, go to www.shopwagw.com or www.facebook.com/WAGWOnline.


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Mom's breast friend

























“Mom’s breast friend”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 1, 2012
           
When it comes to breastfeeding, the help and expertise of a relative, friend or a health expert during the adjustment stage of an overwhelmed mother is invaluable and crucial.

In 2004, hands-on mommies Lyn Buyco-Tan, Alex Morris-Hao, Sharmila Barretto-Ong and Jolla Amparo-Soriaga banded themselves together to form Mommy Sense, a breastfeeding support group based in Davao.

Through the challenges and joys of breastfeeding, the founders and key group members supported one another. Eventually, their Mommy Sense network grew as more meaningful activities beyond breastfeeding were added such as lectures by experts on “First Aid for Infants and Toddlers”; “Guidelines for Proper Stimulation of Infants and Toddlers”; “Dental Health for Babies and Toddlers”; among others.

In the past, the group also organized a successful photo exhibit entitled “Portraits of Love, Celebrating the Mother-Child Bonds of Breastfeeding” and “The Gifts of Breastfeeding”--A Mommy Meet and Skills Seminar which gathered over 500 mommies and mommies-to-be at the SM Davao Event Center.
 
Recently, the breastfeeding support group organized its 1st Mommy Sense Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training through Arugaan and the Rotary Club 2000.

Arugaan is a Filipino term meaning “to nurture fully with lifetime commitment”. It is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that acts as a support system for women with infants and young children.  Arugaan is under the big umbrella of two international organizations, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) which promote, protect and support breastfeeding.  

Thanks to the generosity of Rotary Club 2000, the speakers from Arugaan were able to come to Davao from Manila for the two-day training held at Lispher Inn. They were Velvet Roxas (head trainor and breastfeeding guru); Richilda Talle or “Nanay Rich” (lactation massage specialist); and Cristina G. Cervantes (junior trainor/wet nurse).

“This was something we having been planning for the longest time. We want, not a panel of breastfeeding experts, but of women who have the right information; have at least seen manual hand expression work beautifully; and can confidently and happily come to the aid of a breastfeeding friend who is having a difficult time or may have some questions”, explains Alex Hao, Mommy Sense co-founder.

The activity was attended by mothers and some hospital staff from Brokenshire Hospital and San Pedro Hospital.

After the series of lectures during the first day, the second and final day was considered as the highlight of the training with a host of hands-on activities such as lactation massage, demo counseling, cup feeding sample and working with latching on.

“During the training, there was a baby who experienced cup feeding for the first time. And, we were happy to see that she took to cup feeding really well”, shares Alex, who is a mother of four.

Alex clarifies that the mothers behind Mommy Sense are not breastfeeding experts but breastfeeding peer counselors. “We can lend a hand when it comes to breastfeeding and we have breastfeeding meet ups (for schedules, check the Facebook Mommy Sense page)”, she adds.

In addition, Alex says that Mommy Sense is not a breast milk bank. “It just happens that most moms in the group have young babies and can donate breast milk in special circumstances”, she discloses.

With a lot of mothers getting more passionately involved in guiding fellow mommies through their breastfeeding journey, the future of breastfeeding in Davao looks so bright!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.