Chalk Magazine - March 2012

The Myrrh Woman

Every stylist has their own approach with regards to dressing up their clients. I can say that on top of every stylist's technique, how detailed it could even get, the beauty of the look will always depend if the person wearing it gets to bring life to the entire outfit. I thank God for giving me these women - who, more than being the country's most beautiful and talented, are walking and living proofs of both beauty seen inside-out.

Bea Alonzo

It is hard to build a relationship with someone who can't be real on and off the camera. Thank heavens Bea spared me and everyone she works with, that extra load of work. She is as real as how you see her – most of the time laughing in between stories she shares with the rest of her style team while getting prepped up for a show or an event. She is aware of what she wants and that being said she would immediately let you know what's lacking whenever she's not happy or comfortable with what she's in – something that is really helpful on my end because the moment she tells me the portion of what's missing, it brings me to a clearer idea of what look I should be doing while not sacrificing her own style.

K Brosas

She's funny, I know everyone gets it. But how she puts her trust in me is another thing. Every time I let her slip into a garment, she automatically transforms into another character and plays the role of the one in sync with the outfit. One time I dressed her up as Katy Perry, she started singing her songs and went from that funny tall comedienne to that sweet but naughty performer. She is one constant outlet for me to build my confidence in because she ALWAYS tells me how I will be going a long way in this line of job – something I will always remember of her doing.

Maricar Reyes

Generous and very loyal, that is what she's made of. Her beauty never goes into her head, instead, she has always kept her feet on the ground staying always low-key. I have known her for almost two years and she's indeed one of the few who keep a strong border between what's happening with work and what's personal. I love that she always puts her trust in my skills and brings the positive attitude every time I dress her up. Every chance she gets, which is something I find so sweet, she asks me to style her for almost everything you can imagine. What people don't normally see is her being very positive about life – that the things we all do will always just make us better persons everyday.

Ruffa Gutierrez

Glamorous and such a funny person. Whenever she tells us her stories, I always make sure to keep an open ear and listen to every word she says, because more that the genuine message being conveyed, most of the time, we just end up laughing at maybe how she relates it, or on what the entire story is about. She shows appreciation in a very strong but sweet manner and every time I get to work with her, no moment of uneasiness exists. She makes it all simple and detailed both at the same time – gets her hair and makeup done, splashes Jo Malone on her body, slips into the outfit, sprays perfume and everyone's happy.

Shaina Magdayao

For someone who is in the business that long, it is hard to believe that she's a very cunning person to everyone she works with. More that all the clothes, shoes and fashion, we talk about other life stories like how her recent trips were and all the new things she has learned from almost everything. She's another woman who knows what she wants and it does really help. She always values the opinion of others – especially the ones she trusts and I'm happy to be one. Her attitude towards work inspires me that every so often when she's worn out, she still manages to get up, dress up and show up.

After doing a rundown of these women, I just realized that although these women embody beauty in various and unique ways, they all happen to be the type of person who are confident and aware of what they want while still keeping an open mind and heart for polishing possibilities.

ASAP Rocks - February 12, 2012

On Shaina: Pablo Cabahug mullet dress, Ken Samudio earrings

On Bea: Pablo Cabahug jumpsuit, Eric Manansala earrings

On Bea: Chris Diaz dress, Ken Samudio earrings

On Shaina: Charina Sarte dress, Ken Samudio earrings

Bea's Giuseppe Zanotti and Shaina's Lanvin heels

train check

Some of the editorial shoots I styled that are on the top of my favorites pile.

Execution-wise, some may look at it as a smashing hit, but more than that, every photo has a story kasi.

Cosmopolitan Magazine August 2010

The photographer responsible for this shoot is no less than Jeanne Young. It took me courage and a whole sack of thick face to ask if she could do this shoot with me because she only does shoots for Preview and only with Vince Uy. I love Jeanne, I think she's one of the best in the Philippines and giving in to my request just made me look up to her even more. Make-up by Jigs Mayuga, Hair by Raymond Santiago.

Cosmo Luxe shirt, Topshop shorts, Janylin platforms, SM glasses

Chalk Magazine August 2010

Pauline Prieto's one of the many shoots when she was still starting with her modeling career, this particular editorial was my first time to style for a magazine I've been reading since I was in grade school. Yes. My big sister was one of the official student correspondents (way back when Romina Urra was still the EIC) representing our school in the province. Bianca Santiago-Reinoso (currently the magazine's fashion editor) asked me to be a part of their anniversary issue where they got three up and coming fashion stylists (I, Rosanna Aranaz and Kate Paras) to do three different editorials. It is one moment I will never forget. Photo by Seven Barreto. Make-up by Jigs Mayuga, hair by Bea Misa.

Topshop pullover, Folded & Hung pants, Janilyn booties

Cosmopolitan September 2010

Here goes the biggest risk I took. I was told not to do something unorthodox as its readers are nowhere near gaga, but I am not sure what came up when I decided to just shove everything up and do this shoot. Amazing photographer Charles Buenconsejo shot this in a big yard of junk in Ortigas. Make-up by Mickey See, hair by John Valle.

Mango quilt coat, Topshop tank and skirt, Cosmo Luxe peplum belt, Sinta shoes.

Cosmopolitan August 2011

My most applauded (well, by the whole of the magazine team and their mothership in the US) was shot by BJ Pascual. Model Cecilia, who's apparently one of Mexico's next top model finalist, brought the house down which made us all the more inspired. I went for the clean-sexy look that I have been dying to do and I was up for the challenge of editing in terms of styling. This for me is one of my major hits less-mistakes made shoots. Make-up by Angelu Dominguez, hair by Kim.

Azucar dress, Betsey Johnson accessories

Chalk Magazine - February 2012

Photographer: Sara Black
Stylist: Myrrh Lao To
Make-up: Jim Ross
Hairstylist: Chris Rodil

Working Mom - January 2012

Photographer: Paul Del Rosario
Stylist: Myrrh Lao To

Wednesday juggle

Booked three jobs for this day and I can't remember the last time how I've had this much fun and adrenaline rush in my life!

The day started with Maricar Reyes' bi-annual shopping at Robinson's stores. I am one to really take photos but I'm really not sure why I wasn't able to manage snap-shotting.

Next up was a Talentadong Pinoy taping where I styled Ruffa Gutierrez.

 
I've missed her so much so I thought of including this glamorous Azucar gown and edgy but chic Eric Manansala neckpiece. If they air this on Sunday, the look would be perfect for the celebration of Chinese New Year!

The last project I did was to style the promo poster of K Brosas for her upcoming concert with Pokwang, Chokoleit and Pooh. Grabe ang riot!

I was told to make her look like Katy Perry (though I got lost in Jesse James and Nicki Minaj! hahaha), here's one of the less-over-the-top looks. (thanks, Donndee Sy for the photo!)