I FEEL LOVE

One afternoon in late February, the wind was blowing on our hair with the earthly scent of sprawling green grass and mango trees, whispering to our ears that summer time is here. It was the perfect setup - a day under the sun without anything serious to do. With nature hugging me in the warmth of the daylight; a breathtaking landscape in my backdrop; couple that with nice, warm people to share one beautiful afternoon with, I know that all is well... I feel "LOVE."

ADD "LOVE" TO YOUR WARDROBE: This LOVE Necklace reminds me of the accessories used in Lanvin F/W 2013 runway, and mind you, I got it in UPLB's Feb. Fair for only 150 bucks!

It's like time stopping a bit and for a while. This is one of those ideal pictures I had in mind - a Kodak-perfect moment while having to feel what it's like living the haciendero way. Frankly, that was very ambitious of me, but since the opportunity was there, I turned my style blogger mode on. Although I am not modelesque (even photogenic), and I only carry some guts, kindly allow me to share this lush experience 'coz time and again, I feel some LOVE (and I certainly enjoyed this ranchero feeling!).

A statement accessory adds super punch to any outfit.

CASUAL DAY: A cute gray shirt neutralizes a brightly-colored pair of pants and shoes. Polka-dotted gray top by Zara Man; Custom-made orange trousers by Defacto Jeans; Dark shades by Forever 21; Colored loafers by K-Bond at People R People.

Thanks to my partner Geo for doing nice blogger-style shots.

Natural beauty at The Lake Ranch in Negros.

Afternoon Delight.

Geo and I pose with the awesome People Asia team composed of Chino Corrales, Kristel Dacumos-Lagorza, Joy Avila & Monica Araneta-Tiusejo, with photographer Mau Aguasin, makeup artist Sari Campos, hair stylist Charisma Vicuna, Brazilian models Naigel Haran & Vanessa Andres, and the very accommodating representatives of the city government of Bacolod, Sir Rocky Puentevella and his loyal assistant Jhordan Gepaya.

All of these photos were taken at the Lake Ranch, which is owned by the Puentevellas of Negros Occidental. Thanks to our People Asia family, we flew to Bacolod  for a fashion shoot assignment, and this visit is just one of the best experiences we had in the province. In my next blog entry, I'll feature what Bacolod has to offer, and see for yourselves why the whole team are looking forward to coming back - for more!

SKULL CANDIES

I was in Greenbelt recently to return some borrowed items we used for a fashion shoot at our fave accessory store, FIRMA, and then I was caught looking closely, almost awe-struck, at these magnificent pieces that were on display which happened to be designed by multi-awarded artist/jeweller MICHELLINE SYJUCO.

HANGIN' HEADS: I thought these skulls were exhibit pieces for a museum, or figurines that were sold for display, but these were actually hand bags for those who dare!

For many of us, skulls (and even bones) may appear scary for they are mostly associated with the dead and horror films, and sometimes goth, but Ms. Syjuco probably had something else in her mind as she recently unveiled her new jewelry collection composed of sculptural skulls that combined fashion, craftsmanship and wearable artistry. I was astounded with these accessories - I am thankful that the sales personnel gladly allowed me to take photos of these marvelous things of beauty.

Dare to wear! Not many of us can carry these accessories around, but Ms. Syjuco's designs are sure to turn heads 360 degrees, for sure! Create fabulous fashion statement with shock and awe with either modern studded skull accessories with pop art inclination, or ornamental gold jewelry that seemed to be crafted from the Dark Ages.

GREEN WITH ENVY. It's a modern-designed studded skull hand bag in metallic emerald.

HORNED LI'L DEVIL. Skull bag in fiery red with chain strap.

TRICK OR TREAT. Studded skull hand bag in blue-violet with pop-art sensibility.

BLACK HEAD. Turn to the dark side with this black skull hand bag.

WHITE HEAD. A studded white skull hand bag is just as awesome.

RING MASTERS. Studded skull rings in different pop-sy colors.

FOOL'S GOLD. Ornamental sculpted gold jewelry with skulls and stones.

THE SORCERER'S STONES. Gold rings, cuffs and necklaces with skull and jewel stones.

THE SKELETAL ARMY. More skull rings, necklaces and even a crown.

Check out MICHELLINE SYJUCO's skull collection available at FIRMA in Greenbelt 3.