There’s no shortage of style ideas in the Internet but finding inspiration that hits closer to home is a tricky matter. If you’re looking for style tips on locally available fashion, the personal style diaries of these seven Filipino girls will help you step out of your comfort zone, inform you about current trends, and even teach you a thing or two about snagging great deals at ukay-ukay.

Denise Katipunera (Denise)

Denise claims that there is nothing original about her, but a quick look at her photos is enough to disprove this statement. This wardrobe blogger has the prettiest ukay dresses around and can get away with wearing layers and scarves in our tropical climate. Aside from her perfectly-composed outfit photos, her sunny personality and positive attitude towards life makes her blog a delight to read.

Fashionista Fortune Cookie (Lloyda)

A girl like Lloyda is difficult to miss. Her outfits are playful yet polished, fashion-forward but not contrived. Every single outfit she wears leaves not only a lasting imprint of her style, but also a refreshing playfulness so rarely found in adults. It’s no wonder that she snagged one of Preview Magazine’s Best Dressed Awards this year, a spot in a style book, and numerous snaps at Style Bible. Her blog is a real inspiration for anyone who’s not quite ready to ditch their quirky duds for more “grown-up” attire.

Chic in the Tropics (Eden)

Black is often the safe, go-to color for those who are afraid to experiment with their wardrobe, but Eden brings back the edge and excitement to black clothing once more. This young disc jockey can be found partying in the streets of Cebu wearing statement pieces, trendy neutrals, and gravity-defying heels. Check out her blog for some real rocker-chick fashion and for ideas on new ways to wear black.

The Capricious Club (Bestie)

“Capricious” – an old-fashioned word for fanciful, whimsy, or erratic – is truly the perfect adjective to describe Bestie’s sense of style. There’s nothing predictable about her; on some days you’ll find her frolicking in a field in a maxidress like the hippies of old, on other days she waxes nostalgia in frilly blouses and bows. Follow her blog for ideas on how to translate vintage-inspired fashion and current trends into real life.

Death by Platforms (Kookie)

Most girls would pair lace and florals with girly accessories, but not Kookie of Death by Platforms – she wears her frilly dresses with layered black necklaces and lots of attitude. And of course, black platform heels! Her sense of style is a unique blend between classic femininity and gothic romanticism. If you’re adventurous enough to make unlikely pairings, check out Kookie’s blog for more photos of her edgy fashion sense.

A Plus B in the Sea (A and B)

We all want to stay abreast of current trends, but what if you’re on a limited student budget? Meet A and B, two spirited girls who can show you how to look good without spending a lot. They’ve got a useful guide on navigating Manila’s thrift stores, not to mention an abundance of dreamy photos that will make you want to frolic in the nearest field in lovely floral dresses.

Drowning Equilibriums (Aisa)

It’s easy to see why Chictopia Style Icon Aisa keeps getting featured on other fashion blogs – she can mix and match items from different eras with such effortlessness and grace. Although her preference for vintage-inspired fashion clearly shows, every new photo she posts is always exciting and inspired. She’s giving away tons of goodies from local online retailers soon, so if there has ever been a good time to follow her, it’s now!

Source: Seven stylish Filipina bloggers

Tags: Filipina bloggers, Filipina fashion

A Filipina in the global news is Alexandra Escat because she was seen with Prince Andrew in a yacht. The Duke of York was seen engrossed in a playful conversation with the Filipina model on a luxury yacht last week.

Who is she?

Photo credit:estilodemadrid.com

From Night Celebrity

The 25-year-old swimsuit model joined the prince over the weekend as he jetsetted about. They even spent time aboard a massive multi-million dollar yacht that measures well over 150ft, only to end up in a luxury hotel with the likes of Janet Jackson and a few famous athletes.

But who is this woman, whom many believe to be Prince Andrew’s girlfriend?

For starters, she is a well-known socialite, who can be seen hitting up the party scenes in Madrid and Manila. Aside from bikini modeling, she has appeared in a commercial for hair products (see below), and has been invited to some of the most exclusive events in the UK. She is also a columnist for a Spanish website called ‘Estilo De Madrid.’

Her unique look can be traced back to her parent’s diverse background; her father is from Spain, while her mother is a native of the Phillipines, where she is often spotted at fashion events.

Cheryl Tiu, a wealthy Filipino magazine editor and close friend of the model, confirmed Miss Escat was the bikini-wearing woman snapped giggling as she allowed Prince Andrew to kiss her hand. Her friend wrote on Twitter ‘My friend Alex Escat was spotted yachting with Prince Andrew, Duke of York! Hello Magazine UK said she was the wife of another man. Hahahaha!’

Tags: alexandra escat, prince andrew

Rossana Ladaga Llenado is a successful Filipina entrepreneur. She is the brains and force behind one of the country’s most successful review and learning centers, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center.

Looking at Rossana now, you would not believe she hails from very simple beginnings. Her own father did not finish formal schooling, making it all the more ironic that she has become one of the country’s top proponents for quality education. However, it is precisely because of her humble beginnings that have made Rossana value education and hard work all the more.

It is a miracle in itself that she was able to obtain a college education form UP Los Banos given her poor background. Her family was so poor, she couldn’t afford to buy her own textbooks, so she spent her time in the library studying.

A product of the public school system in the Laguna area, it was only through the financial aid and the help of an uncle that Rossana was able to get a Degree at UP Los Banos. Early on, she knew that to get ahead, she had to take matters into her own hands. She supplemented her allowance and helped her parents out by selling whatever she could. From mangoes, to polvoron, rubber bands and toys, Rossana did what she could to survive. She scheduled her classes so that it left her ample time to take on odd jobs. On top of her busy school and work schedule, she still had to do her share of household chores such as laundry and cleaning to help her parents. She also remained well rounded by joining several extra curricular activities and even playing for her college soccer team.

After graduation, Rossana worked in different fields, including real estate. In her twenties, she got married and later became a mother. It was a tough balancing act being a working mom, wife and so she decided to start her own business so she could stay at home to raise her two children back then.

In 1995, she started AHEAD with only P5000. She tutored students from her rented living room apartment in Pasig and only had her other friends who were Magna and Summa cum Laude graduates as other tutors. Rossana set her business apart from other review centers by focusing on preparing the students for the UPCAT. She later expanded to focused exam based reviews for the Ateneo Entrance Exam, as well as the De La Salle Entrance Exam.

The high passing and acceptance rate of her review center graduates made her a widely popular choice for senior students seeking the competitive edge. Three years after founding the review center, she put up Ahead Books and Things, with the publication of the industry’s first UPCAT review book. Within five years, AHEAD was established as the country’s premiere tutorial and review center. She also established AHEAD Professional Network.

Only in her early forties, Rossana has already achieved more that most people twice her age. It is a remarkable feat and a testament to this lady’s tenacity that she has overcome the odds to become one of the most successful businesswomen in the country today, all the while raising four children.

Rossana’s achievements have been met with several awards and accolades, including the Gold Quill for Marketing from the International Association of Business Communicators; Agora for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship from the Philippine Marketing Association; Aurelio Periquet Jr. Leadership Award; Ilaw ng Karunungn award from Philam Life; and the “Outstanding Educational Administrator” by the Consumers Union of the Philippines. She has also been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine and Mom Magazine, and is constantly being invited as a guest speaker to provide inspiration for the next generation.

One of the things that makes Rossana’s success story unique, is that instead of looking outside the country for opportunities for success, she turned inward and sought how she could help her country and herself. Instead of migrating, she found a need in the country, met it and raised the standards of expectation. She revolutionized the way tutorial centers are viewed, by making it a necessary supplemental aspect in a child’s education rather than where only lazy and underachievers go to. She raised the quality and standardized review centers.

This Renaissance woman is a shinning example of how far the competitive human spirit and unwavering focus and determination can take someone from the bottom rungs of socio economic poverty, to the very pinnacle of success. Even at the top, Rossana still wants to do more. She is currently taking up her Masters Degree in Educational Administration in Ateneo. She is also working on establishing a foundation to provide training to school principals. She is constantly thinking of businesses and projects that will benefit the Filipino community.

Without a doubt, success will meet this lady, whatever dreams she sets for herself.

Tags: filipina enterpreneur, rossana ladaga llanado

A Filipina Reigns in Women’s Boxing: I received an email this morning from GMA Pinoy TV about its airing of the Super Bantamweight Championship fight that was held in Ontario, Canada last June 30, 2010 where Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton emerged as the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Super Bantamweight champion via split decision over Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico. It’s a Happy July 4th (American Independence Day, USA) treat when GMA Pinoy TV vicariously allows viewers to empathize — blow-by-blow — with the positive adrenalin rush that can only be found in a great women’s boxing match.

Let’s relive this moment! This latest boxing match, dubbed “Laban ng Pinay: Julaton vs. Villalobos,” will air exclusively on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the US, Canada and the Middle East. On July 11 it will air to Asia Pacific viewers of GMA Pinoy TV.

IN THE USA

12:05 pm PDT/Vancouver
1:05 pm MDT
1:05 pm CDT
3:05 pm EDT

From: Policarpio, Freida V.
Date: Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Subject: WATCH ANA “THE HURRICANE” JULATON WINNING FIGHT FOR THE WBO SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BELT ON GMA PINOY TV, JULY 4
To: Lorna Lardizabal Dietz

Hi Lorna,

We know you share the same pride and honor we have that a proud Filipina continues to make an indelible mark in the world of female boxing! To all the countless Filipino-Americans and Filipino-Canadians who we know are excited to watch her winning fight, we would appreciate you spreading the word that GMA Pinoy TV will air it in the US and Canada on July 4. (Schedule is indicated below). Don’t miss it!

We would not want the rest of the world to miss the fight, too! It broadcasts only on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the UAE at 6:05 p.m., Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 5:05 pm and Italy at 4:05 p.m. In the Asia –Pacific region ( Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, etc) it airs on Sunday, July 11 at 11 a.m.

Fries S. Policarpio
GMA International
FSPolicarpio@gmanetwork.com

Pinay Hurricane is WBO Super Bantamweight Champ

Two-time world champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton grabbed the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Super Bantamweight champ via split decision over Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico last Sunday, June 30 (Monday, Manila time) at the Casino Rama, in Ontario, Canada.

Julaton and Villalobos displayed their mettle in a rousing display of women’s boxing. Villalobos appeared to dominate early in the bout with her punches, but Julaton, now under the tutelage of top-notch trainer Freddie Roach, employed fine jabs, footwork and agile body movements, to eventually rule the bout.

Two judges scored in favor of Julaton’s , 96-94, while the other favored Villalobos, 97-94.

The Fil-am Hurricane who proudly declares her Filipino roots, now has a record of seven wins, two losses and two draws. Just before she saw action in the ring she was quoted as saying, “I’m seeing my opponent as someone who’s prepared, someone who’s hungry to win, who’s come here to fight. I’m game.”

Her coach Freddie Roach, meanwhile, expressed delight in Julaton’s passion for the game. “Her workout is great. She comes to my gym everyday. She is very dedicated,” he said.

With this victory, Julaton redeemed herself after suffering from a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Lisa Brown last March 27, a fight shown on GMA Network and GMA Pinoy TV.

This latest boxing match, dubbed “Laban ng Pinay: Julaton vs. Villalobos” will air exclusively on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the US, Canada and the Middle East. On July 11 it will air on Asia Pacific viewers of GMA Pinoy TV.

For particulars and other details, visit www.GMAPinoyTV.com.

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Tags: Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton, Ana Julaton, Ana Julaton Day, Angelo Reyes, Boxing, Female Boxing, Filipina Women's Network, Filipinas, Filipino, Filipinos, Freddie Roach, GMA International, GMA Life, GMA Pinoy TV, Kapuso, philippines, pinay, pinoy, Team Julaton, The Filipina, The Hurricane, WBO, WBO Super Bantamweight, Women's Boxing