Event roundup Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017 and Albert Andrada Fashion Shows

In Chinese culture, August is usually the month in the lunar calendar that is called the Ghost month, beginning in the 15th day of the 7th month where ghosts and spirits including the ones of the deceased ancestors come out.  The Chinese belief is that no business transactions or any of its kind are to be conducted during this period, no planning of long trips, no building and renovations in homes, no transferring of office should be conducted, as superstition dictates that the spirits should be appeased during this period.  For the year 2017, it began August 22 until September 19.

UMAP members broke this superstition and got to work on the Mr and Miss Chinatown pageant.   Inglot Cosmetics was the official makeup sponsor, headed by Marketing head Alyssa Nicole Alumno and hair sponsor was Revlon Professional Brands Philippines.

Mr and Miss Chinatown is a yearly pageant that promotes Chinese Filipino culture that aims to highlight shared values while advocating the excellence of today’s Chinoy youth expressed through the spirit of the arts, entrepreneurship,  and academics.  The theme this year was #NewDynasty which included Filipino Chinese members from the provincial and International community which made the pageant bigger and bolder in their search for the best cultural ambassador.

Highlights:

Press Presentation Solaire Resort and Casino  August 16, 2017

 

Candidate # 6 Unity Ong Ka Tan

 

IMG_4662
Candidate no 4 Clarence Lim Cebu

 

IMG_4661
Candidate # 8 Lance Soriano

 

IMG_4660
Candidate # 15 Martin Sy Winner 1st Runner-up of Mr and Ms Chinatown Philippines 2017

 

This was a long day fro all of us, but she managed a smile and a wife before she changed into her spectacular gown.
This was a long day for all of us, but she managed a smile and a welfie before she changed into her spectacular gown.

 

audrey email haft
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Audrey See at her best during the Press Presentation.

 

 

IMG_4704
This Lovely lady Miss LinLin Zen is from Hongkong and was a winner of Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017 International. She speaks Tagalog and I was so impressed with her because she made an effort to assimilate herself in our community and we love her back.

 

Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Lit from inside and out, she looks gorgeous
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Hair by Francis Edward Guintu Revlon Professional Brands Philippines.  Lit inside and out, she looks gorgeous in her show stopping gown.  Gown is by Princess Tan

 

 

Lily Monteverde mr and ms chinatown
This is the stuff where dreams are made of. Lily Monteverde, (center)owner and producer of Regal Films was equally excited to host the candidates for the press presentation. Some of them will be lucky enough to be chosen as part of her talent pool.  Photo from Larry Uy Leong

 

 

 

Maryss Ong RV Mitra Photography
Candidate 10 Maryss Ong, taken by RV Mitra Photography during the Mr and Miss Chinatown Ball

 

Maryss Ong Larry Leong
Another shot of her gown. Photo by Larry Leong Photography

 

Albert Andrada Fashion Show Diamond Hotel

Just to refresh your memory….

 

The Iconic Blue gown that made our very own Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach a Miss Universe 2016 winner, designed by Albert Andrada

 

Our Pegs for the fashion show.  Fresh, Glowing and Chic.

IMG_4880

 

IMG_4879

 

IMG_4911
Model Michelle Kay Macalacad, was a bit tired and took a catnap during the show, but here she is looking fresh and ready for the runway.

 

IMG_4900
Model Hannah Locsin, I loved working with her, the makeup just sank in her creamy skin, I failed to ask her about her skin regimen as we were all pressed for time.

 

IMG_4912
Model Raiza Hidalgo, from Baguio looking sassy and sleek. She mentioned that we worked before with a friend of mine Marissa Narvaez and she was part of the hair team for a Wedding. Here she is, expanding her wings in the modelling industry.

 

TIPS ON WORKING IN A FASHION SHOW OR PAGEANT

 

  •  Working in a pageant, or a fashion show is a lot of fun and tiring at the same time.  Work quickly with less chit chat and try to follow the pegs given.

 

  •  Models are human too, they get tired, cranky and hungry.  It’s not personal, try to make them feel better with the skill of your hands and delivering what’s needed.  Offering them a drink of water or giving them a mini facial prior to a makeup application does wonders for their disposition.

 

  • Listen to the cues and direction of the production team.  It creates a smooth working flow and it is the opportune time to iron out or clarify questions you may have.

 

  • Keep your makeup kit and station neat at all times.  I know this is difficult when you are working on a tight area with many faces to work on, but a messy station speaks volumes about your professionalism.

 

  • Do ask permission from the model or talent if it is ok to take some photos and post on social media. Ask the lead person in the production and makeup team if this is ok.  Ask for designated hashtags if possible and post accordingly.

 

  • Offer to touch up talents or models just before they go out, even if she or he was not the one you made up.  Time is of the essence, you need to be waiting at the wings with powder, lipstick and tissue on hand for last calls.

 

For more photos on Mr and Miss Chinatown, http://www.misschinatownfoundation.com; @MrMsChinatownPH on FB and IG, and Twitter @ChinatownPhils

Follow Larry Uy Leong on FB and at http://larry-leong.com

Follow Rv Mitra Photography on FB  @RVMitra on IG and at http://www.rvmitraphotography.com

 

Beauty is in the eye of the (Be)holder… What I learned from working in a Pageant

July 30 and 31 were one of the best working weekend dates I had after coming from a long vacation. Remember the Inglot Polishing Workshop I wrote about before? While I only had 2 days to work with these lovely ladies, the rest of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines (UMAP) artists had a month to bond with these beauties.  Saturday was for the “Mutya ng Pilipinas” Candidates 2016 and Sunday belonged to the Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2016.

Both events were sponsored by Inglot Cosmetics and by Cynos Hair products. Status Salon Manila provided the hair and makeup requirements while the rest of the team was composed of the UMAP members.

Here is what I learned from this gig:

1. Be prepared to wait.

Patience is a virtue you need to master, if you are a makeup artist.  Call times are usually early (like 7 am at the venue in this case). It was in Resorts World Manila Newport Theater and we considered ourselves lucky that we had ample time to set up.  Mirrors with lights and a table were provided, so we were thankful for any kind of help. Candidates showed up at 8:30 am and we began working on them between 9:00-9:30 am.  In between this,  all candidates are being called by the director for a technical rehearsal which lasts from 2 -6 hours depending on the amount they have to cover.  While waiting, we went through our pegs, makeup and saw to it everything had to be ready when the ladies came back.  Clean your tools, glue single lashes, tidy your work space were some of the things we did to while the time.

Selfie while waiting for the candidates to return from a technical rehearsal.
Selfie while waiting for the candidates to return from a technical rehearsal.

 

Our Working Tables
Our Working Tables

2. Be flexible in your expectations.

This is not about you but more importantly this is a test of character.  There are many things going on simultaneously from the floor and stage directors screaming. “Girls, you have 3 minutes to change” to Girls, you have to run! We’re starting the evening gown portion!” Mind you, these gowns are heavy and difficult to put on.  Part of the job is to be able to help these ladies move as fast as they can by helping them dress up, strap on their stilettos and sometimes be a fashion stylist like securing their gowns with a safety pin because the gown is simply a size smaller than expected.  Yes, you will be a multi-tasker in events like these, and you have to be OK with that.

Backstage, Prayer before the show
Backstage, Prayer before the show

 

Hazel anothet UMAP member is practicing the art of Zen in her touch up before the show.
Hazel anothet UMAP member is practicing the art of Zen in her touch up before the show.

3. Pageant Makeup is designed to be seen.  

Because of the Polishing Workshop we had to undergo with Inglot, pageant makeup is a glamourised version of the classic look, a bolder version of your traditional smokey eye.  Harsh lights can drown out the colours you’ve put on.  It is important to layer your makeup, and make sure it is still blended and well put together. Peg for all seasons, Pia Wurtzback, 2015 Miss Universe.

http://www.showbizreport.ro/wp-content/uploads/2018/old-blog/2016/01/pia-wurtzbach-miss-universe-e1450755885489.jpg
Pageant Makeup Peg

 

Makeup Peg for Mutya
Photo from Xyrene Eugenio, Inglot makeup affiliate who spearheaded this event for UMAP. Onin Bolos UMAP Member also did the makeup here which we used as our peg for the makeup look.

4. Be a Jack of All trades

When we were all done with the candidates, our work did not end there.  We were assigned tasks to do last minute touch ups before the ladies were whisked away onto the stage.  Two artists were in charge of applying powder and blush, one was assigned to check the lashes and bring glue, and one was in charge of applying lipstick and gloss.  The hair team was also divided so they can do touch ups for the hair.  It didn’t end there: We were looking at the TV monitor to check the makeup to see if we needed to add or lessen the makeup.  We were required to always be on standby behind the wings for costume changes.

Mindset: You are the hired help for the day so leave your ego at home.

5. Makeup tips learned from the event

Ace of base was the Inglot HD foundation in shades 71, 73 and 77 to create that flawless “Cutis Porcelana” look.  No airbrush here, we layered this 2x and buffed it well into the skin,

Inglot hd_shade_chart
Kutis Porcelana

Blush Palette used were:

Inglot Blush #46
Coral Peach tones Inglot #46. Photo from Xyrene Eugenio

 

Inglot Blush #29
Inglot blush #29 another coral peach tone blush. Photo from Onin Bolos, another UMAP member

 

Inglot Blush #28
Inglot blush #28, a neutral pink blush. Photo from Xyrene Eugenio

To set the makeup and make it last longer, we used the baking technique.  We also had to use a lighter concealer to give the face a nice highlight.

IMG_9577
I just buffed the powder on my candidate. Check out the candidate on the left side. Maryann Obias is applying this technique on her candidate.  Photo from Michelle Viray UMAP Member

 

IMG_9572
Finished result on Aeryka Chu Candidate #7 for Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016

Contour does not need to be heavy but sculpted cheekbones were a must for this event to give depth to the face.  We used Inglot no. 505

Inglot 505 Contour
Inglot 505 was used to sculpt the cheeks and give the face depth.

Since the eyes needed to stand out, we were instructed to use fuller, wispy lashes to add drama.

Lashes for Pageants
Photo from Xyrene Eugenio. She used these wispy babies. Notice the full stack but they were still light when applied.

 

IMG_9585
Photo from Michelle Viray. Like a surgeon, Maryann OBias  skilfully applies the lashes.

Neutral palette was used on the eyes.  No blue, green, pink or lavender colours here, just earthy brown tones.  No glitters or frost as this looks dirty on camera.

 

IMG_9578
I doubled up on my lashes. Since I had fairly light ones, sometimes I glued 3 thin lashes to get the desired effect.

 

IMG_9573
Mr and Miss Chinatown Candidate # 9 Shireen Rosales.

 

Male grooming should be simple and natural.  Bronzer was used to warm up the face.  Skin tone was evened out with a light application of foundation, concealer when needed and loose powder o set the makeup.  A touch of lip balm was applied to make the lips soft.

IMG_9574
Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016 Candidate no. 11 Richmond Balila

Contact lens were used by the candidates to make the eyes stand out in front of the camera.

IMG_9535
Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2016 Candidate no. 11 Rhancoise Mayangitan

 

Rhancoise Mayangitan #11
Photo taken from Rhancoise Mayangitan. Credit belongs to owner

 

IMG_9780
Mutya ng Pilipinas Batangas 2016 Candidate # 22 Rianne Kalaw

 

IMG_9537
Mutya ng Pilipinas Japan 2016 Candidate # 13 Mayu Murakami.

 

Mayu made it to the Top 10! Candidate #13 is her lucky number!
Mayu made it to the Top 10! Candidate #13 is her lucky number!

Scenes from the 2 events

IMG_9575
Shireen Rosales Candidate #9 Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016 won Best in Talent. Photo courtesy of Michelle Viray

 

Shireen # 9 Best in Talent
Photo courtesy of Joselito Caleon

 

Richard Balila no 11
Photo courtesy from Joselito Caleon. Candidate #11 Richmond Balila

 

 

IMG_9558
A quick photo before heading out to the stage for their opening number. Candidates of Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016

 

IMG_9516
Feathers and Boas for the opening number of Mutya ng Pilipinas Candidate # 11

 

At a days end actually it was 10:30 pm. We were a tired but happy bunch. L-R Pilita Guadines, Onin Bolos, Charisma Vergara, Maryann Obias and Acie Fores
At a days end actually it was 10:30 pm. We were a tired but happy bunch. L-R Pilita Guadines, Onin Bolos, Charisma Vergara, Maryann Obias and Acie Fores

 

IMG_9579
Another shot of the working group, From L-R, Michelle Viray, Amy Villatuya, Charisma Vergara, Onin Bolos, Pilita Guadines, Marjorie Divina, Maryann Obias, Acie Fores and Xyrene Eugenio

 

Bulaga of the night, Selfie with Makeup artist to the stars, RB Chanco backstage. Thrilled to the max!
Bulaga of the night, Selfie with Makeup artist to the stars, RB Chanco backstage. Thrilled to the max!

Being on the other end of this event, pageants are definitely hard work both for the candidates and for us hair and makeup artists.  It is a stepping stone for most of them and while they pursue their dreams of becoming ambassadors of change or tourism, for us makeup artists, we are glad to share in their experience on their path to success and hope.

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.

IMG_7694
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.

IMG_7709
Channeling Audrey Hepburn

 

 

IMG_7723
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.

IMG_7672

 

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