Thank you to my Beabi family for the fun candy cake! We all enjoyed it.

It was actually quite a roller coaster ride.  First I got the devastating news that my Lola Betty was rushed to the hospital for a possible stroke.  My Lola Betty is one of the most important woman in my life and she never misses any of my fashion show Gala’s.  Lola Betty is now 94 years old.  Although she is still very strong she has become quite slow and age has really took a toll on her.  However, she was very prepared for my show. 4 days before the event she even prepared her gown and took her jewellery out of the vault and event did a practice make-up test with matching photos.  My Lola has always been very careful of how she looks and has always been quite astute in this manner.  I guess she got over excited and hence the stroke scare.  She was admited to the ICU but thankfully she is stable and is out of harms way.  Sadly she will not be able to come to my show but I am happy that she is well.

Time to bring out the good stuff!

Shine like a diamond in the sky.

What about this one?

Proud papa John!

Twin one….She might be called Sophia.

This is twin two… I am suggesting Sendrine or Sevrine.

Blessed to have these two angels on my birthday! These were taken when thew were only 3 hours old.

Thank you to my friend Regine Velasquez-Alcasid for these beautiful flowers.

Gabbie and David thank you for the article in the Star!

Having my best friends fly in for my birthday was so amazing!

Yummy lunch at Grace Park. This is one of their new dishes. Uni and Shrimp spaghetti! It was delicious. Bravo Margarita!

I on the other hand had to attend to the last remaining details for the show such as recording a song for the show!  LOL!  Yes!  I sang a part of the show musical scoring!  LOL!!!  I guess you will have to watch the TV special that they are doing to fully see what craziness I had in store for this show.  A friend also brought in some jewellery that I found so beautiful but OMG!  I would have to sell my right arm in order to afford it!  So I just took photos and fantasized for a bit.  LOL!  Overall it was a pretty hectic but really fun day before the show!  In the next couple of entries will walk you through the process of what I do to prepare for a huge GALA such as this!

A full day before the show we were labelling and packing the collection.

I loved these flowers from my friend Edg Samson.

The same day we inaugurated the beginning of our new building which will be housing our corporate headquarters.  It was quite hilarious to see me with a shovel doing my very best job as a construction worker.  Then another set of good news arrived.  My brother and his wife gave birth two beautiful girls!  They were having twins and they were absolutely perfect!  A true blessing from GOD.

Here is my Mom inaugurating the start of construction.

Hard hat fashion?

Rajo the builder. LOL!

Here I am recording a portion of the show. I love to sing and I am happy that Robby indulged me. LOL!

Two thumbs up!

Then my best friends Leica and Ton-Ton flew in from San Francisco!  I was so happy to see them, we had a great breakfast together and caught up.  We were going to take a suite at the Fairmont/Raffles hotel the night before the show and celebrate my birthday together!

Breakfast with my Childhood friend Ton-Ton who is a brilliant creative spirit. He can literally do anything!

Love how were all colour coordinated!

Had to record a portion of my soundtrack live!

OH!  I forgot it was also the day before my birthday as this GALA was done on the day of my actual birthday so I had to thank everyone who remembered and greeted me sent me wonderful presents and made me feel so blessed and loved!

HUGS,

RAJO!

Robby and Pam so excited with our SJP stories!

I guess there the thought of what if?  Was on some of my friends mind.  Like when my friend Matt Gozun dressed up as Carrie Bradshaw?  LOL!  During our Dampa lunch I told SJP about HALO-HALO our now famous dessert made even more famous by Anthony Bourdain.  She has never tried it and I told her that she should try it at Milky Way as they do have the best Halo-Halo there.  We then discussed more about home cooking and told her that the closest thing  to Home cooking other than eating in someone’s home is Milky Way.

What if? SJP wore my Lola's Vintage Ramon Valera?

What if she wore one of my PINTADO'S pieces?

Matt Gozum took it one step further by being SJP!

What if she went out? Would Mixed nuts be a super fun place to take her?

I am and will forever be a FAN!!!!

Went to the SM AURA opening party! It was so well attended!

Spotted some beautiful ladies…..Mons and Kai in a sex in the city mood! Charlotte much?

This MALL is going to be a shopping mecca!

So imagine my surprise when we got a message from SJP’s assistant saying lets go to Milky Way? So right after the event we went straight to Milky Way but Malu decided that Cirkulo would be a good choice.  So there we were in one long table just chatting away.  SJP sat beside Nix and immediately they talked about interior design and what not. Malu served up a storm from her signature beef belly dish  and the baby lamb ribs that SJP really loved!  Finally it was time for the HALO-HALO and just like the trooper that SJP was mixed away and said that she liked it very much.

NIX with SJP!

I am so happy to have been able to introduce HALO-HALO to SJP!

Class picture!

I love this photo!

COME BACK SOON OK?

Before we knew it the time had passed and SJP had to go because of her 3am flight!   She told me that she will be back and see more of our beautiful country.  After a lengthy good bye we hugged and promised to keep in touch. Thank you Malu for an amazing meal!  I still cannot get over how one of my personal ICONS spent time with me in our city!  I am still on a HIGH!!!!

HUGS TO ALL!

RAJO!

I LOVE YOU #SJP

All I wanted was to have a photograph.  I just wanted to have a photo with SJP.  My dear friend Pam Quinones  was styling SJP for SM-AURA!  It was a huge moment for Pam and I am extremely very proud of her.  I joined Pam for a night cap after work and stepped out for a smoke. From the corner of my eye I spotted Sarah Jessica Parker.  I took a chance and went up to her and ask for a photo.  I mean the worst thing that can happen is she tells me no.  So I approached her and  then I started trembling!  My whole body was shaking and nothing was coming out of my mouth.

She looked at me and asked if I was all right? ( Thinking back I think she thought that I was having a heart attack!)  She then asked for me to sit down and so I did.  Then I relaxed a bit and told her that I am such a huge fan and that I was a fashion designer here in The Philippines.  I told her that I was a friend of Pam. She then saw Pam and gestured to come over.  We sat there and I was still in shock!  I could not believe that she was actually beside me!

This time with flash! LOL!

Then she offered Pam and I a drink!  OMG!!!!  I was like dying inside!  She was having a COSMOPOLITAN!!!!!  OMG!  OMG!!!  So Pam and I ordered drinks and then started talking.  I found her so gracious and deeply kind.  She then asked us where to go in Manila and what to see. Then she said that we would be the perfect people to show us around and wondered if this could be done.

She was the best birthday gift ever!

I was like OMG! OMG! OMG!  Are you serious?!!!!  You want me to take you around?  I  almost fainted right there and then.   She was talking about having a real Filipino experience.  The kind you eat “rice and beans” with?  I was like Rice and beans?  Hmmmm…..Na challenge ako?

Then I though I have to ask my food guru Malu Gamboa on where to take a star of this magnitude to? We both thought that the DAMPA along the SM MOA grounds in an off hour would be perfect!  All this by the way was just a spur of the moment thing, I was not even sure that it was going to happen.

Then I got an email from her assistant that it’s a go!  I then called Pam and started to freak out!  Pam told me to meet them in Dampa!  I had to take Malu along as I don’t know how to make palengke!  LOL!  I had to make sure that I got the best quality fish and sea food.  Malu did a marvellous job organising the lunch!  We ended up eating in this place called Hong Kong master cook.   Everything was so delicious!  It was so wonderful to see SJP eating with her hands as we told her that the best way to eat Filipino food.  She loved the grilled liempo so much prompting her to say that the title of her book would be…”It aint a party without PORK!!”  LOL!   She also loved vegetables!  I loved showing her how to eat steamed okra with bagoong!  Everyone ate so well.

It was so hot in the DAMPA! Happily I have always stock of my black fans and here she is just loving the breeze! Thank you Monchetty!

I gifted her with a necklace from my store! I thought that she would like it. Happily she did!

I love that she is just like any normal person who takes photos of food! LOL! I love food shots.

That is Peter her agent! He was so cool! that Calamari was so delicious!

SJP only had 2 hours “down-time” and we still had time to take her to this little gem of a compound in Manila. I love taking my visiting friends here as in my mind this is how Manila should look like. This compound is home to 3 of my favourite things. Art, Furniture and Fashion.  I took them to the compound where A11, Gallery Javellana and the Studio of my friend Jojii Lloren.  I was so happy that she loved it.  She kept of saying that this was the place where she would live if she lived in Manila!  She loved everything she saw and I was so proud to show our beautiful country.

SJP loving Filipino ART!

So happy that I was able to take SJP to one of my favourite designers in the Philippines! I told her that he was our TIM GUN of Project runway!

Class picture! That is Alyssa SJP's assistant, Peter with Malu, Albert and Jojie.

OLA! Malu!!! Kilig level 98!!!!

I just want to say that this was absolutely the best birthday gift ever!  Thank you so much to Alyssa, Peter, Pam, Malu and everyone who made sure that SJP and her gang had a great time!  She was one of the most gracious and genuine human being that you could ever meet.

I will never ever forget this moment!

HUGS,

RAJO!

P.S

We have part 2 of the SJP Experience! Abangan!

Here I am with the Genius that is Cary Santiago!

As fate would have it she was also my model for the Bench show last year and now I was tasked to dress her up once more.  The shoot was really made more enjoyable as I was working with dear friends from the industry.  Metro invited some of the best fashion designers to dress Kathryn up for the shoot.  When I arrived I was greeted by one the most outstanding minds in fashion today Cary Santiago.  To say that I am in awe of his work is an understatement!  The man is a real genius!  We caught up with Cary and was so happy that we were able to connect again after a long time.

Fashion designers var Aseron and Joey Samson were so adorable as they came in matching outfits!  I really love these 2 amazing designers and I am not only a fan but a client as well!  They are supremely talented and I love their work so much that I have my clothes made with them. It was an afternoon of talent and friends as the my friend Juan Sarte III who I have known for more than 18 years was the make up artist while cutie pie Jon Valle took care of our star’s beautiful locks.

My Style twins! The supremely talented Joey Samson and Ivar Aseron.

The shoot was held at the Resort world's Newport theatre! It was stunning.

My love Juan Sarte III was in charge of the make-up. I LOVE JUAN! He did the make-up for my very first GALA.

The team with our cover star!

This was my scene with Kathryn.

BJ showing her how to emote! I swear the kids today are AMAZING!!!!

Looking like a silver screen goddess!

I was portraying a stage manager of sorts.

I love this shot!

I was so happy that the shoot was happening in a theatre. I grew up around this environment.

Kathryn is wearing one of my favourite pieces from my upcoming GALA. She looks stunning!

One of my favourite photographers BJ Pascual was taking charge of the Lens while Metro’s tireless team  EIC  Michaelle Torres and Art director Patrick Ty was making their fantasy vision come alive!  I wont divulge any more detail but let me assure you that the images created that day were really beautiful.  Thank you Metro and to everyone part of the team for a really wonderful experience. Always a JOY to work with friends!

HUGS,

RAJO!

The view from my morning run.

We wanted to get away but at the same time be near enough to do our civic duty and get back in time to get back to work.  Happily our Sea Princess Tessa’s African Log Cabin was available and we spent the weekend in the lush and green beauty that is Tagaytay.

It was a really lazy, chill and relaxing weekend filled with home cooking, lots of laughter and a good walk/run thrown in.  We also took our princess Allegra who was the happiest little dog ever.  I just realised that she rarely gets to run in large green spaces.  It was really such a wonderful sight just to see her run like the wind amidst the tall pine trees.

Gorgeous and lush green.

Our princess Allegra tired from playing outside.

There was a dream like fog that blanketed the road.

It was the perfect lazy weather.

Divine and Victor took charge of cooking dinner.

Steak and Ravioli courtesy of Victor while Divine cooked one of the most delicious sinigang's I have eaten in a long time!

Lets eat!

Had to IG it!

I on the other had was craving for kamote! I like it simply grilled. It's very very good for you.

My exercise partner.

Photos from our African adventure taken 10 years ago. The Log cabin's interior design was inspired by this trip. Can you spot Malu, Leica, Dennis, Bambina, Andy, Kitty, Tessa, Anton, Me and Thea?

Look how beautiful Tessa and Dennis's African lodge/cabin looks?

The yard.

We ended our trip with a fantastic brunch at the newly renovated and reopened Breakfast at Antonio’s.  I have to say this is still my absolute favourite restaurant in the country.  We had a gorgeous brunch.  I had the best eggs benedict that I have ever eaten in The Philippines while my everyone else had Tapa.  It was so good that Divine had to take a kilo of it home.  LOL!

We had to try the newly renovated Breakfast at Antonio's.

We were lucky enough to get the corner table which had the best view.

We shared this banana, caramel waffle. Sinfully good!

The best eggs benedict in town! Mapapaiyak ka sa sarap!

All in all we are grateful to Tessa and Dennis for lending us the cabin.  It really took me back 10 years ago where we went to one of the most unforgettable adventures in my life.  Africa!  I cannot wait to be back and see Africa all over again.

HUGS,

RAJO!

I loved how Stephanie mixes her pieces. The allure and patina of age is always very elegant.

Having a home can make us entertain more and have more friends over but that discussion is still in process. LOL!  In the mean time we recently had a beautiful dinner over at the Crespi’s.  My dear Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi and her dashing husband Jonathan invited us over for dinner and it was one of those evenings where everyone was having a glorious time that before we knew it, it was midnight.

I loved their home as it was filled with lot’s of personality.  I loved the art work as each piece had a story to tell.  I liked how Stephanie would mix an important artist’s work and next to it was one of her amazing flea market finds.

Parners in pa cute! Nix and Rosanna.

I loved this corner setting.

The advantages of having friends who are Chef’s mean that dinners will always be delicious! Stephanie prepared a gorgeous meal that circumnavigated the globe. Dishes from Israel, Argentina, Turkey were served to us.  Everything was beautiful and delicious.

Dinner! Delicous Sea food Parilada.

This was an israeli rice and chicken salad.

Had to share this quote from Jonatan about travel! I think it's very true.

Our ladies! Jackie, Rosanna, Stephanie K and Stephanie Z.

Scenes from a lovely evening!

I just wanted to thank Jonathan and Stephanie for the dinner!  It was really lovely spending quality time with both of you!  Till the next one!  Perhaps we can do it in our place?

HUGS,

RAJO!

We are not a demonstrative lot but let me allow to express to her and to everyone how extremely grateful I am to her!  Happy Mothers day MOMMY!

Another woman who has always been the love of my life is my Lola Betty!  She was my very first client!  I learned from her what true style was all about.  She has unconditionally loved me and helped my make my dreams come true!  I just want to also thank Lola Betty for everything. Even to this day at her glorious age of 93 she still wears my designs.  Thank you so much!

Hug your Mom’s for me!

HUGS,

RAJO!

There seem to have a duality in the art works. The only requirement was the artist's paint around shapes and not the traditional square canvass.

The show was spectacular!  Another testament to the boundless talent that we have on our shores. I was particularly moved by the seeming dualities of the art.  There was a communication that was happening and this is always very good.

On the second level there were 2 exhibition.  The first was a series of antique doors individually treated by several artists. Finale gave carte blanche to the artitst’s and that freedom gave way to a really refreshing results. There was an video art installation as well which made dreamy images of colour and carabaos.

I loved these slates.

I loved this!

On the second level there was this display of antique doors with beautiful art work.

I liked this door in particular. Happy that it was already sold.

Beautiful!

The view from the top.

See the twin details?

It's like they are talking?

I just want to congratulate the FINALE for 30 years of existence!  Thank you for always being open, fresh, new, current, relevant and evolving.  MABUHAY KAYO!!!!!

HUGS,

Rosanna's table scape!

One circle of friends that I truly appreciate is my unofficial food group.  We really didn’t plan to be one but we all just ended gravitating towards eating together and just enjoying our company.  Having dinner if friends homes is one of my favourite activities.  To be invited into someone’s home is really a privilege because the sanctity and privacy of a home is always very special.  Nix and I recently were invited to the home of the beautiful couple Marco and Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez.  We have known each other for many years and I for one am a huge fan of this beautiful couple. Marco is one of the most fascinating foodie’s I know with a vast epicurean knowledge that is always makes me take notes and learn from all his studies and experiences.  To say that I was excited to come over and eat was an understatement.  Marco slaved the whole day in the kitchen and even prepared our dinner several days in advance! Rosanna in the mean time was in charge of the table scape with her flare for mixing prints and patterns it was pure Rosanna!

Their spacious and well appointed living room.

The dinner was one of the best meals I have ever had in a long time!  Marco’s Middle eastern feast hit my heart and stomach like a home run!  I loved the rich flavour profile with beautiful flavours and textures with each dish I was in food nirvana!  It was also a delight to see their new home as they had SO MUCH SPACE!  Nix and I were totally jealous as condo living does not provide enough closet/storage space.  The home was modern, fresh and personal.

Pure Rosanna! This powder room is so her style.

The Den in the mean time was very Marco! Old world, traditional with some quirkiness thrown in.

I really like the large leather pieces.

The turkish fowl meatball dish with pureed eggplant was beautiful!

I really really really loved Marco's chicken tagine! It had dates, almonds and was sensational!

The fish dish was also so delicious it came with a caramelised onion and lemon's that was cured days in advance! I could bottle up that relish and it would seek like hotcakes!

Dinner is served!

Hail to the chef!

Rosanna's table setting was in tune with her genius in mixing prints.

Thank you Marco! I loved every dish you prepared! BRAVO!!!!

I just want to express my sincere thanks to Rosanna and Marco!  The dinner was magical and Nix and I are deeply grateful!  Till the next food adventure!  We love you guys! HUGS, RAJO!

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