And... Manang Falls in Love

Love is an ordeal that millions can relate to. You can either be the winner or the victim in the situation. Finding it, living with it, until sometimes ending it proves a challenge that we all have to deal with.

The Fashion Designers Alliance (FADAL) Manila gathered a stylish crowd for yet another night of artistic explosion. People anticipated the unveiling of a quirky short film that tells of a struggle for love. The film emphasizes the artistic eye of director Matthew Valeriano, and the styling of Eric Poliquit using pieces from FADAL designers. As you enter the room, the dancefloor of 7th High was surrounded by huge frames covered in purple cloth. Photos taken by Enzo Mondejar were kept from the public eye until it was ready to be shown.



"Dear Manang, I Love You" tells the story of a modern geriatric who, like everyone else, worked her way through the quest for true love.

Dear Manang, I Love You trailer:

After the film showing, the FADAL designers stood beside the photo of their creation. Red was the theme of FADAL as they all were clad in different creations of the color. Enzo Mondejar provided a contemporary twist, telling the love story of Manang through photos. Eric Poliquit then told the different chapters of Manang's story as the designers unveiled the photos.

Dave Ocampo and Cherry Veric

Levenson Rodriguez and Ulysees King

Mike Magallanes and Karl Leuterio for Paradigm Shift 

and Lizanne Cua 

Jaz Cerezo and Cheetah Rivera

The chapters in proper order:




Most memorable was how the film makers were able to shed a comedic light on the different aspects of love. I especially appreciated the peculiarity on how Manang becomes the object of the affection of many young men, while relating the incidents to modern technology and Philippine society. I mean, where can you see an elderly woman still tweeting away with the occasional use of #choosy and #landi? One of the highlights was the grandeur of the fashion pieces, its pivotal role in telling the story, providing a colorful collaboration onscreen. I'd love to share this wonderful short to the readers but I would need to ask permission and acquire it from the production team first. :)

Carla Cruz; Myself; Brian Tenorio, Design Consultant; Jaz Cerezo of FADAL 

Myself; Noelle Llave, Ulysees King, and Lizanne Cua of FADAL; Mic Reyes, Stylist

Congratulations to Matthew Valeriano, Eric Poliquit, Enzo Mondejar, and to everybody from FADAL!

Photos were taken by Mark Alvarez. 
To view his works, visit his facebook page: Mark Alvarez Photography

Miadore

How do we normally go about dressing up? The simplest way is to first find clothes that should let us have the look that we want. To add more style, we include basic accessories like watches or jewelries that work for both sexes. Now that we're ready, it's time to smile for the cameras.

The Fashion Designers Alliance Manila - FADAL for short - had an ultra stylish collaboration with jewelry designer Yekky Balingit and photographer Seven Barretto. I was invited by designer Ulysees King to attend the event at 7th High last Wednesday. I had great fun meeting new people and catching up with friends I've not seen in a very long time.

 

The cocktails came in all these flavors and colors. I couldn't read the descriptions in the dark anymore but the mix were really good. Prior to the unveiling, in the middle of the room was the exhibit covered under red cloth. Fashionistas from all over turned out and showed their support for the event.

The cloth was raised and all eyes were on the photos. The exhibit showcased the creations of FADAL designers, accessorized with pieces from Miadore by Yekky Balingit, and photographed by Seven Barretto. It was like looking at an overblown spread of a fashion magazine. The models were photographed in gray background, with their skin tone drastically darkened to highlight the different jewelries used and the colors, details, and structure of the clothes.

With designers Ulysees King and Nico Agustin, whose pieces were also included in the exhibit.

After a long time, I see her! I'm so proud of Noelle Llave. She's one designer you need to watch out for.

The designers of FADAL. With a mission to highlight designers and their aesthetic in the spotlight, FADAL supports different creative minds and hones the style and quality of their creations. To know more about the designers of FADAL, visit http://www.fadalmanila.com/.