Antonio – Rodriguez Nuptials

I love my job.  Weddings are usually that particular time where emotions of happiness, joy and sadness come into play.  I was touched when my friend Rachelle Almario called me to ask if I was available on February 11 to do the hair and makeup of her best friend Lisa Antonio.  It was her wedding gift to them.  This is the stuff I live for.

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BFF. Warms my heart.

Lisa and I share 2 things in common, Rachelle is also one of my good friends and that we both just moved into the Alabang area recently, having our homes built within the same year in 2014.    Lisa is an architect, she carries the lineage of the late National Artist Ramon Antonio and her famous aunts the Veloso sisters who are well known for their made to order clothes for Manila’s chic society.  Her well appointed home with clean and  crisp lines give you an indication of her choice in wedding style.  The epitome of chic and sophistication echo the simplicity of her gown bought from Rosa Clara.

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Channeling Audrey Hepburn

 

 

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Calm and Relaxed.

Lisa conveyed her wishes to me by making her hair and makeup very simple, nothing too contrived just effortless.  She looked to Audrey Hepburn and Carolina Herrera as her inspiration and immediately I knew what direction she wanted.

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This is her other good friend Triccie Syquia who was part of her wedding entourage who I also had the pleasure of galmming up.
This is her other good friend Triccie Syquia who was part of her wedding entourage who I also had the pleasure of glamming up.

 

Thank you Rachelle and Lisa for the gift of friendship and I wish you and TBoy all the best on your new life ahead.

Photos courtesy of Lisa A. Rodriguez and Randolf Evans Photography.  Hair by Tony Dusich

Rituals by Patrick Rosas

“True art is characterized by an irresistable urge in the creative artist”.  ~ Albert Einstein

Rituals — Patrick Rosas’ second book — was recently launched before the holiday season. (I know, I’m late in posting!) The book is a stunning compilation of his latest work in collaboration with six of his favorite photographers: Neal Oshima, Filbert Kung, Marc Nicdao, Patrick Uy, Joan Bitangcol and Glenn Gordon, and the beautiful men and women of Manila of whom he has had the pleasure of working and establishing close relationships with.

Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paper.
Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paper
This copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and covetable.
This copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and desirable. This version is also on sale at National Book Store.
Published by ABS CBN. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity.
Published by ABS CBN. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity. Beauty with a conscience.
One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey the passion in the man.
One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder Group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey femininity in its glory.
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Roses for Rosas.  The red centerpiece meant to channel and exude the passion in the man.
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Rhoda Campos Aldanese, a former colleague, was kind enough to extend the invitation to me to attend the launch with her. Posing with her own photo. I wish all selfies and I.D. photos looked this good.
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Rhoda Campos Aldanese Photographed by Mark Nicdao. I also had the privilege of doing her makeup for the Tatler Ball a few weeks before this event.
Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by me and Arvie Matibag for their hair.
Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by myself and Arvie Matibag for their hair. Whaddya think Mr. Rosas?

Here a couple of my favorite photos from the book.

My aunt, Baby Araneta Forés. I am biased, indulge me. This made the cover of Rogue Magazine recently. Photographed by Marc Nicdao
My aunt, Baby Araneta Forés. I am biased, indulge me. This made the cover of Rogue Magazine recently. Photographed by Marc Nicdao
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Fresh Faced Restaurateur and chef, Margarita Forés. Indulge me once again.  No one does the Clean and Fresh look like Patrick does, that’s why he is always in demand for skincare and TV commercials .  Photographed by Marc Nicdao.
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Maricel Soriano like you’ve never seen her before. Glam O Mama!  Breathtaking! Photographed by Marc Nicdao
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Gwedolyn Ruais, Miss World Philippines 2011 as Queen Nefertiti. Oh the endless possibilities. Perfect peg. Loving the neck, so graceful and elegant.  Photographed by Filbert Kung
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Elizabeth Taylor in the house! Dont you wish you had eyebrows like those? Lola Puga Photographed by Neal Oshima.
Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas' muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao
Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas’ muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao

This book serves as an inspirational reference to all makeup artists and lovers of beauty, color and women.  Acclaim and praise also belong to the photographers who gave life to the photos which (in my opinion), leaves a powerful impact on the reader.

Rituals was so named because life is all about rituals and its interconnection to the universe.  He sought to change the perception that rituals are not meant to be boring but to see the beauty in doing something as a moment and in the moment. The pegs and inspiration that he used and interpreted with his muses are very on point and seem to depict what each of them can magically transform into by the wave of his brush and hand. Magician or Wizard?  Both.  Just ask these men and women. He is what you call the Philippines’ version of Kevin Aucoin and I agree that he should be put in that same pedestal as Kevin’s as he will always continue to evolve as an artist with as much gusto and verve one can expect from a true artist.  I can’t wait for more surprises from this man.

I am truly enjoying leafing through this book, taking my time in admiring each page and seeing endless powerful images of beauty.    Dream and forge on as they say.  Thank you Patrick Rosas for making me believe.

Rituals is published by ABS CBN publishing and is currently available at National Book Store for P4,500.00.   

 

Dream and Believe.
Dream and Believe.