Lagring Chronicles: Minirva...the Engliserang Yaya

It was during my participation at the Philippine Fashion Week previous seasons ago when Lagrimas called me while I was in Manila.

"Sir, pasensya jud sir....kay mingtawag akong inahan sa kanunayng gitabang nga papa-ulion daw ko sa amoa bisan one week lang kuno Sir" Lagring said.

"Ngano diay Lagring, unsay nahitabo?" I question her in worried tone.

"Ay, sir uy, kasal man gud sa akong iyaan nga gikan sa Saudi, mao nga motambong ko sir....hangyo lang"

"Pero Lagrimas sa sunod adlaw pa ko maka uli kay show nako ugma, kinsa may mobantay sa akong anak?...musta na diay si Baste?"

" Oki ra man si Bantong sir....kusog na gani molakaw, dayon kusog pod mokaon ug moinom ug gatas. Ayaw lang ug kabalaka Sir, kay naa man koy kapuli kanang akong pag-umangkon sa akong pang-agawan nga parente pod namo sa among iyaan nga pag-umangkon usab sa......"

"Okey na Lagrimas...pun-an pa jud nimo ...ang sakit sa bangs niana.....basta promise me nga atimanon jud nyag maayo si Baste ha?"

I boarded a Cebu Pacific flight next day with tensions...I supposed to have an interview with my just finished fashion week collection and runway show, but I could not stay knowingly Lagring took a sudden vacation for a week.

Good morning Sir, my name is Minirva Patalinghog, just call me Nerv for short.....(wow ha, Nerv? or the nerve..? kalokah agad!...mmmmm)........

...And by the way Sir, kini mao akongCV:

(ansabee????? anodaw? ay unsa diay???)BIODATA ni INDAY

Work Experience:

3 years, Household Service Manager (kasambahay/household helper), Mr. & Mrs. Lugronio Paalisbo/Barangay Nipis,Tambasakan St.

Name: Maria Minirva Conchita Jane Barbie Cutie Constancia Dahilig Pac-an Patalinghog

Nickname: just call me Nerv...but never Inday
Age: 23
Parents: Mom & Dad
Siblings: Kingking, Makmak, Eboy

Educational Background

College: St. Claire College 2nd year (scholar ng bayan)
High School: Ak-ak High School (Valedictorian, Best in English)
Elementary: Santa Catalina Elementary School (Valedictorian, Best in Pole Dancing)

----mmmm...nalokah ako sa biodata ha....

"In accordance to the Labor Law of the Republic of the Philippines,
all services rendered should be given a fair and just compensation...

"In relation, it is mandated by law than an incentive be given
according to the length of his/her service in the said establishment
or in this residence."

Signed & attested and red ribonned:

Minirva

" Sure ka ba Me-nerve, este Minirva nga parente ka ni Lagrimas??? ug sure jud ka nga yaya imong gi applyan dili amo"(lol)

"Though I have nothing against your wisdom and philosophical
approaches, it seems that I see a certain clash between our
thoughts and your projected manners will result to clashes.
You seem to be flacid sometimes apropos the way you establish a persiflage, and honestly it gives ennui to my proposed work because people choose jobs for reasons...maybe it's humiliating leaving an impression of digression..but it is still a job," SIR!!!!

Na amang kog kadjut...kay i have this jet lag kuno....ahahahahaha...unya wa pa koy pamahaw oi.

I was caught in a quagmire (choz)....

"O sige na...dawat na ka inday Nerv....."

"Don't call me Inday Sir..the statute restricts my capacity to give  a good performance and calling me Inday will be a proximate cause of humiliation!"

ansabee???????

My Shangrila: Plantacion Montana Fuentes

Dotted with mahogany trees and mangoes…an intriguing interplay of light and colour of greens  imbued a feel of placid state, the flavor of course is my  personality that is reflected as  fashion designer, a freelance writer and a blogger  interacting  a lifestyle about living in a dream ‘paradise’.

                   

Montana Fuentes  is my state of mind, built precisely from my kind of visuals …I have found a home.

And, amongst this intriguing mix, is my choice to shift the idyllic  piece of tranquility that nestled amongst the trees into a tightly private playground that gives little clue about the personality of its occupant. A  place where I unwind far away from the excitement and applause of the catwalks, the limelight and the highs of the fashion world.

The home is eco- inspired  with the feel and flavour of the country sides. It is also naturally endowed with the personality of its dweller.

Speaking about my symbiotic relationship with the eco-system and my decision to make this place my abode, it is a land blessed by God in many ways and it's my duty to protect the habitat and nourish it, above all, Montana Fuentes  is my own shangrila, frankly, I knew the moment I laid my eyes and it was one of those great life altering transitions.”

Although  we can be inspired anywhere, but living in Montana is to live with nature. Most people see a mango and take it for granted. I smell the perfumes of the blooms in December, I warm the blooms with mini bonfires in February to keep them warm. That is what being close to nature is about. You learn to respect unconditionally when you live with it.

I have travelled literally to the corners of the world…to  Europe, the countries of the East, lived in the world’s most luxurious hotels, dined with high cuisine, but my favourite place is still home.

 The Plantacion Montana Fuentes  houses me. It directs and channels my personality!”

“I’m a taga-bukid, first and last”

A Tricky Trek to the Montana Falls

Walking through winding riverside imagined road, we walked with weary soaked smile, knowingly that our destination means sweat, rugged and unpredictable way ahead.

Dramatic landscape was  the first visual exhilarating attraction, drawing strength from within to continue with our destination: The Montana Falls. The mountains are always our call to explore an adventure, but to weary minds, they offer a different unrestrained glimpse of inner peace and tranquility. Set amidst glorious foliage that ranges from timeless evergreens to the delicate blooms of the wild flora, the panorama recreates an untamed luxury, an inviting atmosphere.
                                                              

After my short stint at the Philippine Fashion Week last May 19 to 23,2013, what more refreshing to me is an escape from city life like Manila and Dubai. I need a rejuvenating escape, a sort of an idyllic holiday…that was I thought till I joined this tricky trek.

As the cliché goes, it’s an adventure once in my lifetime…or maybe twice if I succeed, at least I’ve tried. The Montana trek
 is more than just scenery, the deafening  silence of the inner sanctum radiates eeriness and mystified my physical presence….what is more-to- it- than- just- meets- the- eye?

  My adrenaline pumping and I was near exhaustion when the team photographer Marvin “Manong “ Mejorada waved his hand and started to prepare his camera. The stylist and the make up artist started doing their job on our model, my nephew Amixter Fuentes Emol, a gold national swimmer from Pagadian,

The thick foliage from the banyan tree known locally as balite was our first stop. The soft cold breeze from the thick canopy of the trees gave us the necessary boost to our tired legs.

 My up-close and personal encounter with nature came in the form of the untamed flora and fauna, my ultimate way to experience the green habitat of my farm. Whoever said, that was right, because I can’t think of anything more fun, exhilarating and personally enriching.

 There is something extraordinary about admiring the pristine beauty of the falls– an overwhelming rush of emotions takes over, as the vast expanse of swirly, turquoise green and glittering water fringed with lush greenery opens up before our very eyes. I’ve travelled the world, but Montana landscape for me is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.

Maybe for some it was so passé, so trite and so cliché, but the experience of my cranky desire to hold back again and I had given it a shot, but then if it wasn’t worked for me suddenly seemed inconsequential. I reached the location and stood grudgingly…alas I made it, I love you Montana Fuentes, au revoir! Surely I will miss you.

the team:

photographer: MARVIN MEJORADA

mauh: JONIE CALAINAN

stylist: GLEN DE LEON 

model: AMIXTER FUENTES EMOL

Dining Out at THE ARMANI HOTEL

I had a dinner last night at Ristorante in Armani Hotel Dubai..a new temple of fine dining.
The moment I saw the sheer elegance  of the place, I felt like I was going to an Armani  Fashion Show ...on front row.
 

stylemonger with fashionista/boutiqueowner/designer-RAHIL HESAN

Tall, well-built and handsome security guards with taut bodies that work out to a regimental rhythm, importing some ethos of sexiness..SESSO!!!! almost a dozen  in tight fit black  Armani shirt paired with equally tight Armani jeans came rushing to our car  helping us out. The feeling is just haute, the feeling is SIMPLY DIVA-ine!... screaming  just so...!!!

 

RAHIL HESAN

My third time  at  the Armani Hotel , I was still mesmerized.
 Wearing a classic  Zara white shirt  with Zara black outer t- shirt and  black Zara jeans, I felt  like a brand ambassador!!!..thanks to my style breaker:Dolce & Gabbana high cut boots and my own made uber- sized zebra  necktie..I dazzled.

While we waited for awhile at the lobby, I couldn't stop appreciating those Armani's kind of interiors: neutral tones, subdued lights, and minimalist luxe furnishings. The staff don Armani suits and dresses as hotel uniforms, and  oh lala..the guests just scream fab too, with their HERMES  bags...almost a dozen, another runway show??????
 Standing tall, Armani  hotel  become the new  'fashion playground' in Dubai, aside from being cosmopolitan and chic. You'll see super-cool people with trendy outfits here all the year round, not just during Fashion Weeks!

wine cellar

  
Completely different from the others, Ristorante is more of a 'cuisine de charme' than a restaurant.
 

the most expensive wine: 15,000.00 us dollars/bottle!

FOOD: THE NEW GUILT

please....don't seduce me....i'm on diet!!!!

  
  Against  palm strips  and  flushing bulbs  that decorate the romantic old noble street,  stands the new  found food haven for the copycats, fashion designers, photographers, poets and stylists.

Getting  popular, the NOODLE BOWL has generated a picky-cheeky following amongst those seeking food with or without all the fanfare. The menus are inspired by South East Asian culinary indulgence, evoking echoes of imperial China, of Bangkok's sinous River delicacies and the Kampongs of Javanese kitchens in Jakarta...almost a religious experience.

  

 

i am a vegie....heller!!!!!!!!!!

 

Endless fashion loads,  screaming clients ....a fashion designer's life  can be very demanding! Although I love the profession I am in,  but after hectic  day's pressure, we need to rejuvenate and escape even for a little while and indulge in delicious food and conversation.

noodles in spring........nominated for its authencity, imagine you coud speak the language after the sumptuous meal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

  Thought that  Chinese cuisine was noodles and spice and rice and all that’s nice? think again.

 A stir fried duck and chicken  marinated and simmered over a slow fire for ages, it truly melts. The quintessentially chinese and thai gourmet will surely beguile the tastebuds of the connoisseurs. Here, the simplistic ambiance underplayed the gorgeous creations yet miraculously, divinely prepared for the fashion's tete- a-tete , unwinding tensions and rebinding friendship and relaxation.

Top up the meal with a coffee of your choice…or ignore your calorie conscious conscience and indulge in sinful desserts. A fresh sliced banana  with ice cream, a platter of exotic fruits provides for a wonderful finale to the meal. Believe me, it's worth it!
....I FELT GUILTY ALREADY!!!!!!

size XXL on the BEACH? why NOT.......

 

It’s so summer, and lots of fashion faux pas happens when you are planning to spend your weekend at your favorite beach resort. Well, here are some ways to be a beach diva and how how to dress for the occassion, remember, even the beach is a catwalk, honey….!

 

  To look like a celebrity hog, travel heavy, only the- can’t- afford travel light. You need to pack all your awesome things in your very best luggages – with customized name tags, preferably in acid colours. Bring Hermes in different sizes and colors, Louis Vuitton won’t mind. Subtle is for wannabe’s and starlets baby….

Bring all your personal private armies- 3 personal assistants, 5 stylists: for your breakfast attire, brunch, lunch, snacks dinner and after dinner, and surprise rendezvous, who knows. Hire 5 musclemen to be your security guards cum lotion men when you love to show off your fake tan, fake curves and fake ass. Complete? Nah….hire some town criers cum twitter trannies to tweet every second of your movements. Get the loudest: Never Balderammasutra, KrishepaputamusLTD and the rest of fakes in twitter.

 

Wear wide brimmed hats with unique head-turner accessories like an Eiffel Tower on your head, but feel sophistication like Audrey Hepburn’s, to go with your over-sized Jackie-O shades.
Bring lots of bathing suits to display your freshly renovated tummy, pouting lips, and eye bags disappearance.To look summerish, show off the gumamela patterns with frills from your buying spree in Bangkok.

 At a beach resort, everyone turns up for the lavish breakfast spread to clock in the calories for the day – and be seen, so tag along your personal therapist, your dermatologist, personal nurse and your botoxologist. It is a fashion parade of no small significance….again, sureness. Sunflower-yellow minis, floral midis and bright striped maxis, soft pantsuits held on with beaten metal jewellery…pull out the stops and wear all the might.

 

You will be competing with haughty starlets who look fabulous, dress beautifully and shimmer with an, ‘I’ve-had-sex-on-the-beach’ (the drink, what were you thinking?) glow. They wear couture ukay-ukay for dinner. It’s your moral responsibility to show them you know how it’s done. Bring your DIORS and Balenciagas for grabbing attentions baby!

 Wear heels on the beach….BUT ON THE TOP OF YOUR HIRED PULPIT-to have this GODDESS effect.
 Don’t answer your BBM’s on your Blackberry, hire one dozen call center guys to do it for you……….!!!!!!!!!!!!