Celebrating L'Oreal Color Trophy Philippines 2011

AWESTRUCK. I've been in awe of Filipino talent since my first stint at Mega Magazine Publications, Inc. as fashion and beauty assistant.  I immersed myself in countless projects and shoots showcasing both raw and polished talent. Irreplaceable experiences include sitting at the forefront of some fabulous shows and being in awe of sheer talent.

L'Oreal Love 2011: The coming together of the Philippines' Top Hairdressers

INSPIRED. Last 18 October 2011, L’Oreal Professionnel celebrated true Filipino talent in Hairdressing. Dubbed as the Oscars of Hairdressing, the L’Oreal Colour Trophy competition celebrates the talent of hairdressers worldwide as they interpret an international colour theme while maintaining hair integrity. (Hard to manage with the industry being so competitive!) A much awaited production, the Philippine Hairdressing industry is in an uproar to present, their best versions of creativity. This year's theme centered on Beaute Originelle, L’Oreal Professionnel’s international Fall/Winter 2011 Color Collection. Inspired by the fusion of high fashion and pure nature, Beauté Originelle interprets the rustic beauty of the untouched wilderness, the undeniable power of tribal forces and the free spirit of the savage mystique.

L'Oreal Professionnel Beaute Originelle: Precise and distinct color+shine

FLUID MOVEMENTS. Backdropped at the Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater, 1,000 seats were booked solid, all eagerly anticipating a fabulous show reminiscent of Cirque Du Soleil--yes complete with hanging acrobats and colorful dance attractions. The most highlighted portion?--Filipino hairdressers dressed to the nines admiring fellow colleagues' works of art. 

Wildly Natural--Talented performers light up the stage

Expect full on warm colors and tones for this Fall/Winter 2011 Color Collection. As interpreted by Paul Serville, L’Oreal Color Trophy International Guest Artist and Judge, Paul Serville, a man who lives and breathes beauty since 1968--a true example of being one of the world’s greatest hairdressers. Paul says, “I’ve never worked a day in my life because I’m so passionate about hairdressing. I can’t call this work because I love what I do.” He couldn't be a better choice to push and appreciate the Filipino talent a notch more. I love the look below--I wish i had her lovely locks!!

The Perfect Mix: Color, Shine and Cut by Paul Serville

Esteemed judges, include fashion designer Russel Villafuerte; top photographer Pat Dy; L'Oreal Professionnel Singapore Education Manager Dylan Sew; World Master of Hairdressing and International Guest Artist Paul Serville.

Categories and Winners:

Next Generation (for stylists 23years old and below)

Richelle Moradas of Hairshaft The Podium

Men's Best Image (for fashionable up to date look for men)

Rendelito Samot of Edwin Samot Salon, Nueno

Ladies' Best Image (to interpret the trend best suited for the Filipina)

Anthony Erlano of Davids Salon, Ali Mall, Cubao

Total Look: (best blend of cut,style and color using the revolutionary INOA)

Grand Winner: Richard Perello of Henri Calayag Salon, Makati

1st Runner Up: Hauelle Dongalo of Hair Studio, Davao

2nd Runner Up: Wesley Po of Angelo Falconi III Salon Professionals, Shell Almanza

Special thanks to L'Oreal Professionnel's Marketing and Education teams spearheaded by, Mr. Robbie Lizares and Ms. Yam Palisoc-Barcena, Marketing Manager and Artistic and Education Manager. L'Oreal Professionnel Fall Winter 2011 Beaute Originelle Collection available at your nearest Salons.

Style | Spotlight: Maureen Disini

It's not everyday one meets a creative and most real soul in the fast evolving world of fashion. One day many moons ago, I was fortunate enough to have met and gotten to know Maureen (MO) Disini. 

Mega Magazine's Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Me and Maureen Disini

So much different from me but somehow, her honest to goodness relationship with us, her colleagues at Mega Magazine Publications, Inc, shows a kindred spirit about her. With an eye for beauty (past jobs include posts as Fashion Editor for Philippine Tatler and stints at Mega Magazine, MTV Philippines and Philippine Daily Inquirer), Maureen further honed her appreciation for fashion and technical know how via intense and rigorous training at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Paris and Istituto di Moda Burgo in Milan.

Mo at her inviting atelier overlooking Makati City

Recently having 2 gowns made, I fell instantly in love with her rich fabrics and curve-at-the-right-places execution. What makes her creations stand out is her ability to know a woman's body so well --highlighting assets and overshadowing "flaws". Deceptively simple in appearance, the entire line of cocktail dresses and evening gowns is meticulously constructed, yet always light and effortless to wear.

 A peach creation from her first capsule collection. I had a similar creation made-Chinadollstyle.

Known for her classic + feminine manner of personal style, Maureen manages to transcend her personal tastes when it comes to designing creations for her steadily growing clientele. Not one to follow current trends, she designs for women confident enough to embody femininity. “The best compliment for me is when people tell my client she looks beautiful, not that her dress is beautiful,” Maureen says. “To me, it’s never about the design itself, but what the design does for the woman.”

LOVE. One of Mo's early designs for me.

NOW. One of her more recent sophisticated sketches.

On a personal note: Cheers to you Mo for reaching for your dreams and finally making it all happen! I knew this day would come and you'll be running on full speed making more women beautiful!

Good Times. Where it all began-- with the MMPI gals circa 2005.

I wore my first M.Disini cocktail dress creation last night for my mom's thanksgiving dinner--I kid you not when i say i practically received 6 compliments left and right! Now i know how celebrities feel! On that note, I can't wait to use my peach Grecian gown to attend other milestsones♥

For more information, you may contact Maureen Disini mobile (917) 8911104 or email maureen@maureendisini.com

Style | Smells Like SFO

VOLCANO. Citrusy. Uplifting. Brings a smile to my face. Pure LOVE. Thanks Gory for introducing me to this Capri Blue Candle.

Volcanic Eruption: Screams Light Me!

Trips to SFO are not complete without my good friend Gory going all out . (READ: all stops for food, fashion,beauty,off road finds and what nots!). My mini Thanks? Anything within my budget! ♥
Gracious as ever, she would say, none. Being a little snooper, and I chanced upon her love affair with Anthropologie's Capri Blue in Volcano. Scent grows on you, I tell you! It sure grew on me.

We would go home from a day of shopping, tired but happy!! She'll find it sitting pretty on her desk amidst all the bags with other finds! Warms my heart that she loves this treat. It works all the time!! A small token that speaks volume.

Tip: Hand poured, it lasts for a longer time. Made from recycled glass--eco friendly! An instant picker upper! Best used after a long hard day's work! Soak yourself in the tub if lifestyle permits, even.

Photo from www.anthropologie.com

Beauty Formula | Taming The Tresses

GOODBYE Headbands. HELLO Shiny Straight Locks!

Macy Yambao-Galvez gets ready!

Young mom and chinadollstyle reader Macy Yambao-Galvez is first and foremost a wife and mother. She is blessed with an active 1-year old baby girl, Morgan. Having her hands full with errands and duties, she desires a fuss-free, low maintenance hairstyle that still brings out a bit of her feminine side.

Q: My hair has become “ugh-ly”—read: curly / frizzy; tips are “fly-away” and lacks luster. My husband Migy says there might be a war happening between the strands! What in-salon color and straightening treatment is worth my time and effort to put my hair back in shape?

A: Chinadollstyle referred Macy to Azta Urban Salon for a fun long afternoon trying out L’Oreal's Chroma Straight (Gloss Treatment-Color+ Xtenso Moisturist).

Born with curly / frizzy hair, it has always been a struggle for Macy to find the perfect fit! She had tried rebonding 7 months ago and now her hair is in agony. Luckily, she tried Azta Urban Salon’s branch at Forum Robinsons (Mezzanine level). Senior Stylist Mon provided his expert know-how as she tried the L’Oreal Chroma Straight (about P6,000.00 on her hair length). He gives tips on what to expect and how to care for her hair to prolong the nice effects of this treatment!

From roots to tips: Retouching the roots played a vital part on Macy’s hair. Application of gloss treatment to bring out the shine came in second. Mon started doing the L'Oreal Chroma Straight which usually takes 5 hours.

Azta Urban Salon's Mon + happy Macy

“I love that Mon and assistant Wendy took time to make sure I was comfortable in all of 5-7 hours (depending on length)! Thankfully, they have comfy chairs to make all of the waiting and sitting bearable. They used warm water (love!) but I wish they had more ear caps to lessen the sting. Of course nothing compares to how I know my hair will look after 48 hours of no washing!” Macy gamely shares.

*note: after 48 hours of no washing, Macy happily reports that her hair is so soft and shiny! Hubby Migy was pretty amazed about her hair's newly minted "peace front"! She now wears her hair like a badge of honor and happily cares for playful Morgan!

TIP: Azta Urban Salon has an ongoing promo. Avail of 30% off on Regular Rebonding, Root Rebonding, Power Rebonding and Chroma Straight Rebonding. All in cooperation with L'Oreal Professionnel. Check Azta's FB Page for salon listing. 

Special thanks to Mr. Robbie Lizares, L'Oreal Professionnel and Ms. Meg Lachica of Azta Urban Salon.