Chris Diaz is not just a creative designer but had a complete and brilliant concept for his show. The model shown here is Marina Benipayo. She is almost unrecognizable from her PLDT iDD TVC, where she’s the mom. Photo by Jude Bautista

For My Angel, you rule my life.

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista (click on link for full screen gallery)

The figure stood in the darkness, the passageway a throne. Chain mail adorns her head. Thin whiskers form on the upper lip and chin. Yet her grace, her piercing, loving gaze cannot be anything but womanly.

Chris Diaz is not just a creative designer but had a complete and brilliant concept for his show. The model shown here is Marina Benipayo. She is almost unrecognizable from her PLDT iDD TVC, where she’s the mom. Photo by Jude Bautista

Her steps seem to float almost gliding. Her robe is majestic, shimmering, glittering gold. It shines even through the darkness. On her left hand is an iron gauntlet with which she rules. We look at her transfixed, mesmerized with her every move. Those that have come before her were subjects.

Chris Diaz is not just a creative designer but had a complete and brilliant concept for his show. The model shown here is Marina Benipayo. She is almost unrecognizable from her PLDT iDD TVC, where she’s the mom. Photo by Jude Bautista

The greatest knight is the king. Although she has an iron fist we submit to her rule willingly. She commands us with her beauty. Men crave for her, women want to be her. The conquest she seeks is not of distant lands or kingdoms but of our hearts.

Chris Diaz is not just a creative designer but had a complete and brilliant concept for his show. The model shown here is Marina Benipayo. She is almost unrecognizable from her PLDT iDD TVC, where she’s the mom. Photo by Jude Bautista

She is Joan of Arc made king, where virtue and courage are the rightful heirs to lead a kingdom.

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Arnold Galang, Chris Diaz and Gerry Katigbak, theirs was the last show of the day for Fashion Watch Holiday Collection last May 10, 2011. (The series will run until Sunday May 15 at the SMX convention center stating 1pm) The three designers have distinguished themselves in their storied careers. Katigbak may be the most known of the three and has used a lot of native materials and interesting designs of the barong.

Chris Diaz set himself apart with a very unique presentation of his designs especially in the end with star model Marina Benipayo. Most people may only knowMarinain her famous TV commercial that’s currently being aired: PLDT iDD. But she has been one of the busier ramp models since before. For Diaz show she came out with a light beard and the medieval themed design. Her performance was almost like a play but very subdued. Only a model of her caliber would have been able to pull it off.

As someone who was just trying to shoot with three dozen other paparazzis in photographer’s row, deciphering or even appreciating the concept was the last thing in my mind. We were all scrambling for the space available; there was someone behind me, beside, in front, directly below all getting into camera range. Later on by 4am waking up from a ‘pleasurable and joyful’ dream, everything came into eureka moment where I understood the statement that Chris Diaz made with his show. I was also inspired to write in a way that I don’t usually do, in a narrative form. And after doing so I’m extremely grateful for being able to photograph Chris Diaz show and the wonderful teamwork with Marina Benipayo. The impressive make up was by Lourd Ramos. I was definitely inspired and moved to write and use the photos that I took along with it. I will also post the other pics from that show here on my blog soon.