The Chihuahua in Makati

A new Mexican place opened in Makati and I was there when they started to serve the margaritas. Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar had its grand opening last week. Don't be fooled by the name! Chihuahuas may be the smallest dogs but the margaritas here are big on taste.

 

The interiors are a splash of red and white, with walls filled with photos of friends, international personalities, and customers. It's really a place where you can just unwind after work, savor a burrito, and laugh with friends. The atmosphere is a little laid back and filled with a lot of fun.

I was really amused with the condiments section and all the hot sauces all lined together. I'm not a fan of spicy food but I'd like to see someone try the hottest sauce on the rack.

Salsa was played throughout! I couldn't get over taking a break from club music and having a sample of world music for one night. Pretty cool...

They made food quite simple. Ordering at the counter is easy with the  4 steps that you need to follow. Freshness is guaranteed with the food prepared only when ordered.

I really felt how the grand opening was anticipated. Prominent people attended to do the official cutting of the ribbon. From left, there was US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr., Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr., Ms. Ines Cabarrus of Chihuahua, Mexican Ambassador Dr. Tomas Unna, and Mr. Elian Habayeb of Chihuahua.

I couldn't resist. I had to take a photo with Ambassador Harry Thomas. He was really having a lot of fun that night. He was so cool that he even tried to learn how to dance the Salsa.

A reunion of sorts, I was with model / mom / business woman / friend Anne Feo. :)

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar is located at 7838 Makati Ave. across A Venue.

You may add their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill

Special thanks to Mr. Elian Habayeb!

Jasler's Jail

I want people to focus on the design and the clothes, for people to focus on Jail Jeans –

Cris Jasler, CEO and Designer of Jail Jeans

Silver studs and gold sequins stitched on denim. Jackets and jeans perfect fit for the rock gods. Clean cuts adding luxury to the uniqueness of the pieces. Exemplary details of uncompromised quality and design that Cris Jasler declares of his label. After unveiling the "Metal Spark" collection during the Singapore Men’s Fashion Week, all eyes are now on Jail Jeans.

“When I used to model, I set my own standards on what I wear. I want to be unique and different”, shared Jasler. After years of being a professional model, he realized that he wanted to do something different. He had a love affair with jeans – admitting to collecting different types from different brands. He asserted that wearing jeans should be diversified and hopes to influence people that jeans can have a strong sense of glamour, ready even for formal wear. Eventually, his passion started the transition.

Jasler started making jeans in the playroom of his kids. He offered his designs to some friends and started his small made to order business. He elaborated on his design philosophy saying, “I don't look at magazines for trends or silhouettes. I want to make my own trend and try to be really original, and from the heart.”

With a stroke of luck, the owner of Inhabit – one of Singapore’s posh shopping boutiques – met someone wearing his design, saw the potentials and immediately found a way to meet with Jasler. He mentioned his embarrassing moment with the owner who inquired the name of his brand. At that time, there was still no label since everything he did was customized for clients. He was offered to display his designs in Inhabit, alongside international hi-end brands, jumpstarting his fashion label.

He came across the inspiration of incorporating small metal handcuffs as a signature trademark on the jeans. He started brainstorming names and among all he thought of, Jail Jeans had the best ring. After some time, he had to remove the metal handcuffs on the jeans since a client shared the story of being held by immigration security because of the metal handcuffs. He had to go through another process to rethink the best symbol to personify his ideas.

After thoughtful revamp, he decided to use the black panther as the face of his logo. “I chose the panther for its fierceness and elusiveness”, said Jasler. He further related stating, “Jail Jeans is not an everyday wear. It’s something special (like a work of art) since in reality, there’s a different feeling when you stand out. I think the personalities of my clients are strong, powerful, and outgoing individuals. With the design of our pieces, if you’re not these people, will you buy them?” 

He continued to dive head on to the artistry of his designs, uncompromising quality. “I want my designs to speak about my ideas. Jail Jeans is all about individuality, free flow – no restrictions, no constraints.” His initial design process started with him asking, “What do other brands don’t have that I can offer? What sets Jail Jeans apart?” He admitted to his great attention to details choosing only denim fabrics that stand out. Incorporating his resourcefulness, he thought of using readily available materials as details. Jasler often felt  that his designs are suicide since every piece is one of a kind, drawn from the dictates of his instincts.

Jail Jeans is one big playground for Jasler. He humbly revealed the zeal of his craft. “When you love what you're doing, you'll think that you’re just playing and you'll be excited to do it again tomorrow. And, if you really love what you're doing, you just need the determination to make it work. The money will just follow.” His motivation is rooted from his frustration that there is only a handful of Filipinos who are acknowledged for their craft. “Filipinos are the best! They just lack the determination and hardwork to succeed.” When asked what his greatest fear is, he explained saying, “I fear the idea of mass production and the copying of my ideas because it’s not what Jail Jeans is about.” 

Jail Jeans is made in the Philippines. Jasler works to establish Jail Jeans as a brand that Filipinos can be proud of. With an offer to showcase his design in the New York and L.A., and with the guidance of famed fashion educator, Alcs Porras, people will be looking forward to the success of Jasler and Jail Jeans.

Photos of Jail Jeans' Metal Spark Collection during the Singapore Fashion Week is available at: 
http://lifestyle.8flo.com/2011/04/fashion/jail-jeans-mfw2011/

When the Wild Goes Lose

Junjun Ablaza ushered us to a crossover from an urban paradise to the exotic jungle. It was highly anticipated - like blessed rains down in Africa. 7th High became the watering hole of the stylish. Everybody was clad with animal prints, taking skins of animals to unleash the call of the wild.

Untamed.... The night was filled with Ablaza's overwhelmingly interesting display of vast accessories taking inspiration from the animal kingdom. Pieces were brought together with feathers, beads, and even a turtle shell fitting for the tribal royalty or African warriors.

 

Tribal beats were played while guests walk around the display.

I got to hang out again with my friends power couple Danny and Tash of Aquaknox.

 Greatly honored to meet the gorgeous designer Michele Sison during the event. :)

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/.

Affordable Isn't Cheap

I can sense some of my friends' eyebrows will be raised after reading this post. If you know me personally, one of the aspects about me that you'll either love or hate is my affinity for designer labels. As far as I can recall, I've loved shopping for designer clothes long before I even earned my first salary.

I've gotten the knack for labels early and it's not at all budget friendly. When I was younger, I would really save up because I had this mindset that wearing designer labels was a way to express an individual self. Only a limited number can own pieces from these labels therefore giving exclusivity to the wearer.

As time passed, my fashion sense evolved to accommodate an open mind. While personal styling and shopping for some people, I learned to stretch budgets and work with varying preferences. Eventually, I appreciated the items that department stores or bazaars offer. There's a myriad of choices and it's up to us to style it and turn it into something that stands out. Price wise, the range can be very affordable.

Not because clothes cost less, doesn't mean there's no style potential. A lot of people have the mistaken idea that affordable clothing leads to cheap, tacky statements. The glamour of fashion and how we express our style lie in our hands. Clothes are like pieces of a puzzle that we need to put together to complete the picture. Style is the inspiration in our imagination that we need to execute for it to be real.

I had a gentle reminder after watching the fashion show at People Asia's "Men Who Matter" launch. The clothes were courtesy of the biggest department store in the country - SM. And everybody knows that if you're looking for affordable finds, department stores can be your bestfriends.

After browsing through a lot of collections showcased during the Milan Fashion Week Menswear for Spring 2012, I found that some of these department store clothes were reminiscent of some pieces from the various designer’s collections. Really cool... I liked some of the interesting pieces, but mostly I loved how they were pieced together to look luxurious.

I know it's all in a day's work for these people but I'm proud to share that the fashion show was styled by Mr. Luis Espiritu and his styling team composed of my friends Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Velasquez, Donna Gonzales Lim, and Reg Rodriguez. :) Keep up the good work guys!