Jo Ann Bitagcol models the piece de resistance for Dennis Lustico in the SALON show last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

full screen pics: http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/jo-ann-bitagcol-for-dennis-lustico/

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Dennis Lustico is one of the most revered designers we have today, in and out of the Philippines. As his recent SALON show with Lulu Tan Gan, Jojie Lloren and Cesar Gaupo last September 12, 2013 proved they are among the most creative and enduring designers. Jo Ann Bitagcol however, as a model has become one of the most sought after faces in the runway. She is in the elite class that is why she modeled the finale piece in Dennis’ collection. Lustico’s style is quite wearable and sexy at the same time.  Clean classic colors of white and beige are accented by revealing small linear cuts on the skirt.

Jo Ann Bitagcol models the piece de resistance for Dennis Lustico in the SALON show last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

In the documentary EDITOR’S EYE, Vogue proudly proclaims it launched the era of the supermodels. Models have become true collaborators on fashion shows and just as much focus of attention as the designer. Jo Ann is a talent and beauty that has earned that right as a supermodel herself. Apart from her skills and presence on he ramp she is an established fashion photographer and upcoming cinematographer. More than any words I can write, here she is in pictures: Jo Ann Bitagcol for Dennis Lustico.

Jo Ann Bitagcol models the piece de resistance for Dennis Lustico in the SALON show last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jo Ann Bitagcol models the piece de resistance for Dennis Lustico in the SALON show last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dennis Lustico again proved his creativity in the SALON show with co fashion stalwarts Lulu Tan Gan, Jojie Lloren and Cesar Gaupo last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dennis Lustico again proved his creativity in the SALON show with co fashion stalwarts Lulu Tan Gan, Jojie Lloren and Cesar Gaupo last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jo Ann Bitagcol models the piece de resistance for Dennis Lustico in the SALON show last September 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

AEROSMITH from left: Brad Whitford (guitars), Tom Hamilton (Bass), Steven Tyler (Vocals), Joe Perry (guitars) and Joey Kramer (drums) in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for their May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

Written by

Jude Bautista

FANS of all ages may just camp out of DIAMOND Hotel, AEROSMITH’s official residence even before the legendary band arrives here for their May 8^th, 2013 concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. Our very own legendary PINOY band: RIVERMAYA will be fronting them. PULP Magazine’s May issue has AEROSMITH on its cover. SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators will be in SMART ARANETA on MAY 4^th.

Pinoy super band RIVERMAYA will front for AEROSMITH and is also in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for the May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

NO less than PULP’s Editor in Chief Vernon Go, wrote a comprehensive feature on them starting with their music from the 1970’s and a complete album listing from 1973 onwards. There’s no hyperbole with the Vernon’s claim that AEROSMITH may be the biggest American band to ever visit Philippine shores. In terms of longevity and hits they exceed Metallica and BON JOVI. The Beatles in the 1960’s is and always will be a British export so the claim holds true.

from left: AEROSMITH’s Steven Tyler and SLASH are both in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE. SLASH will have a May 4th concert in SMART ARANETA COLISEUM.

Personally, I’d heard of AEROSMITH but was not a metal head like Vernon. I was more into punk and the alternative, new wave genre. I was converted along with millions of other fans when they literally made music history in 1986. Even though the roots are basically the same between rock and rap- blues, soul which also happen to be African American. There has always been a gaping divide between metal and rap/ hip-hop groups.

Pinoy super band RIVERMAYA will front for AEROSMITH and is also in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for the May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

Our very own Francis Magallona often spoke about not having musical prejudice where metal fans shouldn’t diss hip-hop and vice versa. Owing to his versatility the godfather of Filipino Rap also successfully played original metal songs in his album. Magallona also collaborated with rock icons in “Unstrung Heroes” with Ely Buendia; “Sapot”, with project band Planet Garapata, which included Raimund Marasigan, Jeng Tan and Mark Lakay, who would later form SANDWICH.

from left: Joe Perry (guitars) and Tom Hamilton (Bass) in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for the May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

from left: Brad Whitford (guitars) and Joey Kramer (drums) in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for the May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

So when the legendary metal / rock and roll band AEROSMITH collaborated with hip-hop originals RUN DMC, no one could really imagine or foretell how people or fans would accept it. No one could even conceive of it ever happening. The music video for the song WALK THIS WAY although crude looking by today’s standards explained it all. It was AEROSMITH’s Joe Perry rehearsing a guitar rift. A thin cardboard wall separated them from RUN DMC. The rappers were banging on the wall screaming complaining at how noisy the screeching guitars were and they’d get back by blasting their drums and bass.

RUN DMC from left: Rev Run, Jam Master Jay and DMC in the WALK THIS WAY video from 1986.

RUN DMC invades an AEROSMITH concert in the WALK THIS WAY video from 1986.

Steven Tyler got so infuriated he used a mic stand to pierce a hole through the wall. Then popping his head through singing “WAAALK THIS WAAAY, talk this way…now gimme a kiss…” Cut to RUN DMC invading an AERSOMITH concert breaking through a silhouette with a close up of their Adidas Superstar sneakers. The video was so iconic and successful that Adidas actually released a commemorative 1986 RUN DMC model years later. My brother Noel around the same time got into trouble with my mom because he spent a ridiculous amount of money buying a similar pair: the Adidas KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR. The only difference was that it’s high cut and the stripes are white

the Adidas Superstar worn by RUN DMC in the WALK THIS WAY video from 1986.

From left: Rev Run and Steven Tyler in the WALK THIS WAY video from 1986.

The video ends with Steven Tyler dancing with rappers Rev Run and D.M.C. The success of WALK THIS WAY was so huge for both groups even though they had already firmly established themselves in their own genres. They showed that two polar opposite genres could collaborate successfully.

AEROSMITH and RUN DMC bust a move in the WALK THIS WAY video from 1986.

AEROSMITH’s Steven Tyler in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for their May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

RUN DMC is the first rap group to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. AEROSMITH was this super group from the 70s. What WALK THIS WAY did was to infuse this energy and youth into the band. It showed their willingness to grow and evolve. Their succeeding albums received even more critical success. I remember my cousin Adrian Apostol owning several AEROSMITH albums. And I also bought PUMP in 1989 the same year when they won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a duo or group. In 1993 Robin Williams had this huge hit of a movie called MRS. DOUBTFIRE, which used AEROSMITH’s, smash DUDE LOOKS LIKE A LADY.  No doubt, there will be this huge explosive party when they come into town on May 8^th.

RUN DMC has become the face of Adidas in the hip-hop world.

Sponsors include: PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE, LEE, www.AEROFORCEONE.COM, DIAMOND HOTEL, PULP LIVE WORLD, BANCO DE ORO, BDO CREDIT CARDS, Star World, ABS CBN, FOX, MYX, PULP, Phil Star, 2GO, Business Mirror, Business World, PIONEER INSURANCE, MacGraphics Carranz, MONSTER Radio RX 93.1, MONSTER Radio BT 105.9 CEBU, MONSTER Radio BT 99.5 DAVAO, RB 106, 99.9 COUNTRY, Media Magnet

AEROSMITH from left: Steven Tyler (Vocals), Joe Perry (guitars) in PULP magazine’s May ISSUE just in time for their May 8th concert at Mall of Asia Arena.

Model Grendel Alvarado wears a Patrice Ramos Diaz with accessories by designer Joyce Oreña. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Patrice Ramos-Diaz showed her innovative streak when she used materials like dry fit and lycra for extremely feminine evening wear. Both materials are used for sportswear ranging from Azkals’ uniforms to running shorts even swim wear. The result is stylish dresses that allow women to move and work reflecting their active lifestyles.

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

center (in black dress) Patrice Ramos Diaz and accessory designer Joyce Oreña (in grey). I like Ria Bolivar’s bright smile (in lime green beside Patrice). Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Patrice showed her collection at the Fashion Watch Quartet series at the Lobby Lounge Makati Shang Rila last September 22, 2011. Fashion fanatics can get a preview of the best Filipino designer’s works by attending high tea for P810 every Thursday from 3-6pm. This year’s series began last April 14 and will run until November. The companies involved have shown their support for Filipino designers: Makati Shang Rila, Metro Pacific Investments and BMW. Media partners include:  The Phil Star, Star World, Preview and Stylebible.ph.

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Although the materials are usually made for sports, her collection isn’t. She said, “A lot of the pieces take off from T-shirts with a play on the silhouette, made into more stylish pieces. They’re actually leisure wear for active women like me.”

Ces Drilon couldn’t resist shooting a few pics with her cell. She’s lending support to her talented sister, accessories designer Joyce Oreña who created her own brand “Jo”. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

In order to bring out the best in the fabrics she used different techniques, “All the materials are dry fit including the more elegant pieces. So it was experimentation on the material trying to push it in a different direction. Normally the material is used for sportswear. Using a very casual material like dry fit I played with draping.  The silhouettes were slouchy because I wanted a relaxed feel. If you noticed the range of the material can go from very casual all the way to very elegant evening wear. That’s my attempt in trying to offer something fresh and something new.”

Models sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories) while wearing sneakers. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ladies in sneakers: from left designer Patrice Ramos Diaz with accessories designer Joyce Oreña. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

For this collection Patrice collaborated with Joyce Oreña for the accessories. Patrice relates, “When I tell Joyce, ‘this is what I want to make, this is what I have in mind’ she comes up with something that is the perfect color, the perfect mix, the perfect treatment and materials. In fact for this one we were just communicating through text or phone calls. By the time we met. She had her accessories and I had my clothes, everything matched.”

I surprised designer, musician Kate Torralba using her Canon G12. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Model Owen Rebosano wears a Patrice Ramos Diaz with accessories by designer Joyce Oreña. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

A model sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories). Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Patrice also explained that the dresses can be worn with sneakers or heels. There’s a certain amount of versatility. Tretorns and Melissa were worn by models for the show. “I wanted something dressy but not too dressy. Something that looks fashionable in terms of shape and style. But I didn’t want it to look like the red carpet type shoes. With this collection it’s not your usual type of clothes. It was very difficult to find the right shoe. When Melissa emailed me the style, everything was perfect too.”

Model Ria Bolivar wears a Patrice Ramos Diaz creation in the finale that accessories designer Joyce Oreña also wore to the Fashion Ball. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

A model sport designs by Patrice Ramos Diaz and Joyce Oreña (accessories). Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

far right: (in black dress) Patrice Ramos Diaz and accessory designer Joyce Oreña (in grey). Ria Bolivar is in lime green beside Patrice. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Producers of Fashion Watch Quartet have gotten the best people which include Patrick Rosas for Hair and make up, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Inno Sotto as Creative Director. Patrice added, “Fashion Watch Quartet is a very good platform to show the market what you’re into, what you’re creating for the season. Clients come because it’s High Tea. And it’s actually a good venue to sell your collections.” FWQ will also stage special shows as several internationally known ASEAN designers will be flown in to display their collections to the Filipino public.

Model Ria Bolivar wears a Patrice Ramos Diaz creation in the finale that accessories designer Joyce Oreña also wore to the Fashion Ball. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Jo Anne Mira, Joyce Oreña, Dr. Rajesh Vyas Regional Medical officer and Medical Attaché of the U.S. Embassy, ABS CBN broadcaster Ces Oreña-Drilon, Kshama Vyas and Anthony Mira Attaché, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Photo was taken during Fashion Watch Quartet at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel last September 22, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Splashes of yellow or aqua blue are on unique patterns. They flow on the female form naturally. Thin materials are overlaid on other fabrics creating sheen and an interesting texture. Arcy Gayatin was moved by the fabrics that she discovered. She went beyond this by creating newer patterns by deconstructing tweed and other materials.

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Gayatin featured her most recent collection at the Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Hotel Makati last May 26, 2011.  Fashion fanatics can get a preview of the best Filipino designer’s works by attending high tea for P810 every Thursday from 3-6pm. This year’s series began last April 14 and will run until June 23.

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista. The model is Ria Bolivar.

Arcy Gayatin (in striped skirt holding flowers) during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Gayatin described her experience, “It’s an honor to be invited to Fashion Watch. I did Fashion Watch before. In fact I was part of the first Fashion Watch with the late Richard Tan. Actually it opened a lot of doors for me. That’s why I can’t say ‘no’ when I was invited again. It also gives you the freedom to create. When designers present a collection they don’t think of the clientele, just what they think is good. Unlike with made to order you design for a particular client.” The companies involved have shown their support for Filipino designers: Olay is presenter of Fashion Watch in cooperation with Metro Pacific Investments and BMW. Media partners include:  The Phil Star, Star World, Preview and Stylebible.ph

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

It takes a woman to know what she wants to wear and look. Arcy concedes to having simplicity and comfort in her designs. “Yes it’s not complicated. That’s the advantage of women designers because we know what’s good for us. You have to mind the portion and the balance of what a woman should wear.” The result, dresses that flow and hang comfortably in flattering manner.

The Arcy Gayatin collection during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Fabrics also play an important role in inspiring her. “Jersey, leather, chiffon and tweed, it’s really about fabrication and textures that’s what my collection is really all about. I like contrasting elements marriage of opposites.  I especially like doing a lot of fabrication using tweed. I discovered a lot of textures out of tweed by tweaking threads out of it. Then the different patterns also came out.”

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

She also explains the combination of thin materials over a darker layer, “The flowers were not hand painted they were another fabric, silk on leather. The yellow was a lining it became a see through thing but the pattern is there. That’s what I meant when I said contrasting elements, the yin and yang, male and female.”

An Arcy Gayatin creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Her clothes definitely have the sophistication for a wider market, “I’d like to think that my clothes can be international. I can see them in 5^th avenue or Park avenue New York, maybe even Paris.” Prospective Filipino and international clients can contact this very talented Cebu based designer via her website at www.arcygayatin.com.

From left: designer Arcy Gayatin and Lulu Tan Gan during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

A Norman Noriega creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Leather booties, tie dye, leather pants and skirts, a generous amount of zippers on a cocktail dress, it’s not a rock concert but a fashion show. Let’s not forget frizzy hair from the 80’s. Norman Noriega channeled his inspiration Patty Smyth, one of the better singer songwriters who has made her music relevant through several decades.

A Norman Noriega creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Noriega featured his most recent collection at the Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011.  Fashion fanatics can get a preview of the best Filipino designer’s works by attending high tea for P810 every Thursday from 3-6pm. This year’s series began last April 14 and will run until June 23.

The Norman Noriega collection during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Noriega described his experience, “I think it’s really a great honor to be one of the designers chosen for Fashion Watch. I respect all of the designers who participated. I’m very fortunate to be here. With Phil Fashion Week and Fashion Watch, the industry’s really growing. A show like this that features Filipino designers is crucial.” The companies involved have shown their support for the designers: Olay is presenter of Fashion Watch in cooperation with Metro Pacific Investments and BMW. Media partners include:  The Phil Star, Star World, Preview and Stylebible.ph

A Norman Noriega creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Noriega’s sensibility is able to use rock as a jump off point to create and update the edgy look. His clothes are wearable even in our warm tropical weather without losing that ‘attitude.’  For evening wear he said, “The collection is black and white. I’m really not a color person. It’s more on shadow like a black and white photograph. I wanted to show elegance and make it classic yet maintaining that edgy look.”

A Norman Noriega creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

It’s the kind of clothes that would be perfect for a night out in Republiq or Opus. The day wear is “tie dye, stretch satin and leatherette.” The material is perfect even at a hot outdoor concert.  Men are bare-chested wearing a vest inside a jacket without a shirt. Or a white Nehru style shirt accented with a wide leather belt. Again, Norega repeats his combination of stylishness with comfort.

The Norman Noriega collection during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

A Norman Noriega creation during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista. Do you think her hair is frizzy and wild?

He also confesses that, “I’m always inspired by music. I’m into Patty Smyth, it’s more on rock and roll.” What also showed his homage is the hair, “The whole collection works with that frizzy hair. I wanted something that showed imperfection.”  The hair is very much updated and toned down. In the 80s the hair was big and wild not just frizzy.

Norman Noriega (in black tee shirt holding flowers) during Fashion Watch Quartet held at the Lobby Lounge of Shang Rila Makati last May 26, 2011. Photo by Jude Bautista

Now this is Big and wild hair. She's Patty Smyth in the official The Warrior video back in 1984. Click on Patty’s pic to see the vid.

Patty Smyth became famous as the lead singer of the band Scandal and had their biggest hit, “The Warrior” in 1984. In 1992 she had an even bigger hit this time in a duet with Don Henley, “Sometimes Love Just Aint Enough.” She later became an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated vocalist and co-writer for “Look What Love has done” for the film ‘Junior’. The film is a comedy starring recently disgraced ‘Sperminator’ Arnold Schwarzenneger with Danny Devito.

This is the early Patty Smyth also from The Warrior vid. She's still making music and is far more successful as a solo artist.

I could remember when Charles Barkley’s highlight video was to the song of ‘The Warrior’ click on Patty’s pic to see official The Warrior vid.