Women of Substance

Hello Readers! 

Last September 24, 2014, I attended a spectacular event that's very close to my heart.

Take note. It was no ordinary fashion show;

It's fashion for a CAUSE. 

 The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) Annual Ball is now on its 11th year. 

It's all about raising funds for the benefit of the Philippine Cancer Society. 

This Ball was spearheaded by the stylish BDWP honorary chair Imelda Ongsiako-Cojuanco.

The event was so endearing that I can't help but share it with you. 

Here are some pictures that my friends and I managed to cover.

Before the celebration started, my friends and I had some cocktails at the ballroom foyer. 

We got the chance to appreciate the display of  some of the ball gowns of the past awardees... 

....as well as a photo exhibit of the 2014 Awardees,

and one of them being Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento.

I am so proud of you Tita! A big Congratulations! :)

Like any Gala, there are Princesses of the Ball.

Here are my top picks. 

I intentionally got their back photo for added emphasis of their gowns.

Always remember that whether you prefer elegant or simple,

it's all a matter of how you carry yourself with it.

While waiting for the ballroom doors to open,

we found ourselves surrounded by good company of friends.

With my bestfriend Jasmin Sarmiento and her gorgeous mom

who is part of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines

credits to Jasmin for the photo above 

Now with Kathleen Ann Vargas Jabasa. It's nice to see you again!

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

What makes Cebu my second home 

credits to Jasmin for the photo above 

credits to Jasmin for the photo above 

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

With my friend Hazel Lim- Lee Hok and 2014 BDWP Awardee Pauline Lim

Congratulations Pauline! You look ethereal. 

It was nice bumping into both of you at the event.

Checkout the back of Pauline's gown.

It's so regal.

Now it's time to witness the unveiling of the 2014 notable women of the society.

The program started with some incredible ballet performances. 

The ballet was followed by a fashion show by BDWP Ambassadors for Life and 

an awarding of Men of Exemplary Influence.

In the middle of the program, there was also an auction held. 

It was a prized artistry from one of the best Filipino talents Mr. Ramon Orlina.

Good job to Mr. Johnny Litton for also facilitating the whole event.

Loving how the lights were dimmed just a few minutes before the fashion show.

The moment we have all been waiting for...

Congratulations to the 2014 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines!

I myself would call them Women of Substance.

They are fashion forward yet selfless individuals who are 

living proof that real beauty comes from within.

Continue empowering society and serving as inspiration to make better version of ourselves.

My Favorite Gowns during the Fashion Show are worn by the following:

PAULINE LAVERNE LIM

JENNIFER HELEN WEIGEL SARMIENTO

CATHERINE ARAMBULO ANTONIO

It was also a night of Serenades while everyone was enjoying dinner.

The Program Finale was the Awarding of the 2014 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines.

Here are some photos of their walk of fame! Congratulations to all Awardees.

Aww, just look at this very sweet gesture! How touching! :)

We are so proud of you Tita Jennifer.

You walked with so much beauty and grace. You totally owned it.

The event was a  big success! Kudos to the Annual Ball Organizers.

 Time for more pictures :)

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

Hi Katsy Lee. You look pretty in that white gown of yours.

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

Truly, it was a dream come true for all the BDWP Awardees. 

Hopefully I'll get an opportunity like this knocking at my door someday :))

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

Love this picture of Tito Edgar and Tita Penny :)

Congratulations again Tita

This is the beginning of beautiful things to come! 

Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of this event.

I enjoyed every part of it.

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

credits to Jasmin for the photo above

Looking forward to seeing my best friend Jas and her twin

 to follow the footsteps of their mom.

Stay in love u guys! <3

Lots of Love,

IamMyOwnStylist

Love Story

Theirs is the Love Story to tell...
After 13 years of love and friendship, Chow & Jen finally walk down the aisle.
Indeed, True love never fails as this couple did not let distance get in their way.

The moment my sister and I were asked to be part of their entourage,

we were simply out of words to say. 

Ms.Jen has always been a great mentor and true friend in Ateneo.

We used to even tease her back then that we are already hearing wedding bells :)

FINALLY, the day has come (kilig)

But before I share with you some snippets of the event,

I'd like to thank my gorgeous friend Miriam Reyes aka Mirz 

for being my makeup artist for the day.

(Hope she doesn't 'kill' me for posting her photo)

Just proud of her! If you're interested to have her as your MUA,

you can book here 0908-868-6787 :)

Thanks Mirz for transforming me from ordinary to fabulous!

The BEFORE photo is how I look with no makeup at all: Stressed-Out

Eyebags here and there, Ungroomed Eyebrows, Dull Skin, Cracked Lips 

(you name it...)

But after Mirz does her powers on me, I'm blooming all over.

See for yourself! I love how dramatic my makeup is.

From those tantalizing eyes....

to the ultra-bold lips ala Anne Curtis

I feel like a celebrity! I wish she could be with me everyday.

I might just be spotted in the mall and voila, 

there goes my celebrity dreams (lol)

Special thanks also to Ms. Jen for choosing Apohl Bridal

to design the eyecatching gowns of the entourage.

Aside from Red being the color of Love, I love how the color can evoke

 a sense of drama & mystery, combined with passion & confidence.

I particularly love the off-shoulder design.

I feel like a Medieval princess or better yet reminds me of

Taylor Swift's Love Story Music Video.

Since the gown is already beaded, I wore simple accessories to 

complete the look. Pearls are always the best bet. It's a classic.

And of course, don't forget to smile :)

So now I bring you the Wedding of the Year!

Last June 28, 2014, Chow & Jen exchanged their vows at St. Peter's Parish Church.

The moment Ms. Jen entered the Church, my jaw dropped.

She looks ethereal in her Wedding Gown.

The Gown was made by Dotie Diaz-Cleofas. 

I was stunned... She was sooooo beautiful.

I even caught the Groom being all teary-eyed upon seeing her enter (Awwww!)

                                                                                                         Photo Above by Dotie Diaz-Cleofas

Thank you for also calling me to lead the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm.

As it was said from the Book of Genesis: 

(23) The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; 

She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 

(24) For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife;

and they shall become one flesh.

Chow & Jen, you are made for each other :)

(Credits to my sister for taking this photo below)

May you continue to pursue each other every single day of your lives.

Continue loving and serving each other and we are all

looking forward to meeting your little JENs and ROWELs.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dela Cruz!

A New Chapter awaits :)

After the wedding, we went straight to Blue Gardens for the Reception.

I love the place especially the beautiful chandelier that lit up the room.

It feels magical.

A photo I managed to take during the couple's pictorial at Blue Gardens.

A candid photo of me and my partner as we enter.

                                                                  *Photo above taken from Jen's FB page

From the bottom of our hearts,

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

#CHOWJEN

Love your Ateneo Family

After the celebration, we visited Ateneo for a quick & creative photoshoot.

This time ala Red Riding Hood (lost in the woods)

Thanks to my awesome photographer Brian Diaz.

Post-editing by me.

Thank you to Rowel and Jen for making me believe in Love.

Hopefully someday I too will meet my Prince Charming.

Of course, in God's perfect timing :)

Stay in love!

Love, 

IamMyOwnStylist