Oscar Weekend

For this year's Oscars, I managed to watch three films vying for the coveted golden statue.

First was "Toy Story 3".....

then "127 Hours".....

while the last being "Black Swan".

The three didn't disappoint hence the Oscar nominations. "Toy Story 3", is like the pinnacle of the series. Though a bit predictable at times, nothing beats a plot of pint-sized talking cast trying to rescue "toys in distress".

James Franco in "127 Hours" delivered a convincing performance as Aaron Ralston while the film gave me a grasp of what might have happened during Ralston's ordeal "between that rock and a hard place". With its much talked about graphic amputation scene (which made me want to leave the theater and return after the scene took place) I'd say that the film succeeded with its purpose of getting into one's senses. And that I think is what an effective film is: something which hunts you over and over after you've seen it.

Nina Sayers in Black Swan, is probably Natalie Portman's finest performance to date. Here I saw someone living every inch of her character. I could feel the rigorous training she had underwent and her desire to achieve perfection, just like an actual danseuse would. Though I am far from being a danseur myself, having taken Ballet in of my Physical Education classes back in college, I could attest to the discipline and hard work needed for the craft. The production team didn't disappoint either. Every inch of it was well researched from the set to the costumes by Amy Westcott. As with the other actors, I think that everyone deserves a nomination, even Winona Ryder with her 15 minutes of screen time didn't disappoint either.

And that wraps my thoughts at a few of the nominees. Best of luck to the rest of the nominees and congratulations to all the winners for this Sunday's Oscars. :)

Rue du Div

Divisoria or Divi is Manila's premiere shopping district and answer to Bangkok's Chatuchak Market. Though there are no sources which tells the exact origin of the place, historic accounts will tell you that as early as the 1800's, Divisoria is already a merchant district flocked by Chinese traders.

Probably "The Harrod's of the Bargain World". Spacious floors where one can find dirt cheap goods (mostly from China.)

A few of the items that can be found at Ilaya and Elpo, Divi's "Open air Mood".

Street scenes along Elpo.........

......where one can buy practically everything from greens

........to dried fish

.........spices/herbs/whatever.

A lot has changed since, but most people still head to Divi for cheap thrills and no matter how many malls/establishments will be built in the future, I don't think Divi will lose its appeal.

Pint-sized couture parts 7,8,9,and 10

In celebration of NY fashion Week (which concluded a few days ago) I was inspired to come up with my own presentation with a few pieces from my archive.

Let's begin with the basics:

A bit of "Furry Vengeance".

A little of "Country Chic".

Detail of the bag:

And something "baggy".

Countdown to the Big O Pt. 4

It ain't over till Big Dolly sings....

Countdown to the Big O Pt. 3

Now, how about a serving of Annie Lennox (in Versace) singing Into the West from LOTR Return of the King?

Annie never fails to send tingles in my spine whenever she sings. :)

Commercial Gap aka *Tele-aralan Moment

What to do with a pair of pockets slashed from an old jacket?

Well, why not make it into a purse?

Here's how:

CUT the flaps

PIN the zippers

SEW

SEW

et voila!

Nifty eh?

*in reference to the now defunct 80's arts and craft/livelihood show.

Countdown to the Big O Pt. 2

Still counting my favorite Oscar moments with Bjork in "that dress" designed by Marjan Pejoski.

Countdown to the Big O

With just a week before the Big Day, I would like to make my own countdown of Favorite Oscar Moments.

Why not start with a personal favorite with the Counting Crows at the 77th Academy Awards in 2004.

River Wild

Yeah we've all heard of surfing. But how about "river surfing"?

According to a source, claims for its origins include a 1955 ride of 1.5 miles along the tidal bore of the River Severn, which is the longest river in Great Britain. River surfing on standing waves has also been documented as far back as the mid 1970s in Munich, Germany and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Something I would definitely try, but i don't think it will work for the Pasig River though.

Lab Gown Couture

A simple equation inspired by Fashematics:

I call this "Wendla"

Now does it make you want to sing? :)

Cupcake?

Recently tried my hands at "baking" and I'm happy to report that my first attempt didn't disappoint. :)

Wearable Architecture

I recently went to an ongoing exhibit at the University of the Philippines in Diliman which features creations from notable Filipino designers whose works on display fused the idea of "Fashion and Philippine Architecture".

Its interesting to see how these designers interpreted famous Philippine landmarks into clothing without being too "literal". Something which I think is quite of a challenge.

Inspiration: The RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

Interpretation by Emi Englis.

My personal favorite are these creations by Ivan Rabobar who drew most of his inspiration from vernacular houses.

A dress inspired by the old Jai-Alai Building in Manila.

The devil is in the details. :)

Something inspired by Art Deco architecture.

Ensemble inspired by the Miag-Ao Church in Ilo-ilo which is considered a World Heritage Site.

Strapless dress with cropped jacket inspired by the Asian Institute of Management Building in Makati City.

Glad that they also have something for the guys such as this ensemble inspired by Fort Santiago.

As well as this opera coat ensemble inspired by the old Manila Metropolitan Theater.

If you love fashion and architecture this is something not to be missed.