Weekend Tidbits

This pretty much sums up our weekend. Misch and I have been prepping for her tea party. She is very much involved probably more so than me. Incidentally, March issues have hit the newsstands. (March and September are the only issues I am willing to pay for in full retail.) Nice to brush up on the Spring trends and take a breather from all the cupcake talk around here.

We had a round of drinks with some friends visiting from the US at Big Bad Wolf. The new hangout had me at their Amaretto Sour.

An a affordable art fair in Salcedo Park dubbed as Art in the Park, I would say, was the highlight of our weekend. The goal of the organization behind it is to make art accessible, removing the hoity-toity-ness of galleries and bringing it to the unbounded spaces of the outdoors.

I'm so glad we went in spite of the weather. The place was bustling with art from established, emerging, and new Filipino artists.  Jazz music was playing and just around the corner were wine and food concessionaires. It was a perfect afternoon for creative souls save for our muddy soles from the wet grounds.

The weekend that was. Wishing yours was as art-infused as ours.

Lusting Over All Things Filipino

I wouldn't really call myself nationalistic. I mean, we have to admit, sometimes our country is just too difficult to love.

But there are a lot to love about it, really. As recently I came to realize that all the things I've been crushing on are 100% Filipino. Aside from my Benito (which I've checked off the list, thanks to hubby), allow me to share with you the sense of pride I'm feeling because all these coveted pieces I'm lusting over are made by my fellow countrymen.

Joyce Makitalo East Caligo Valentina Necklace

I have been secretly yearning for her pieces for a long time now and when I had a chance to meet the designer herself at the Manila F.A.M.E last week, she had me at hello. And so did her collection. Not only is she insanely talented, she's extremely nice too, albeit chic and cool.

Maco Custudio Spring 2011 Dino Collection

His works are so bold and structural (and comfortable too), you wouldn't think they're local. 

I was thrilled to have finally met a Filipino cobbler and designer. This guy knows a thing or two about shoes, I tell you. But his works are not for the faint-hearted. So if you fancy a pair of big statement shoes then he's your go-to guy. He customizes for about PHP 8000 (USD 180) a pair. 

S.C. Vizcarra The Salcedo Tote

Made of jute and micro fibre, the craftsmanship of this bag is amazing. The weaving, the juxtaposition of the materials, and the size of this bag makes me drool. You can easily mistake this for a Bottega Veneta. 

Now tell me, aren't all these pieces divine? And these are just in the fashion category. The furniture pieces were heavenly. I just couldn't take photos of them at the fair. Catch the Manila F.A.M.E next year. It's way worth it.

To find Joyce Makitalo click here. 

For some statement shoe fix, find Maco Custodio here.

And for that coveted Salcedo tote plus more, find S.C. Vizcarra here. They're opening a retail shop this November and I can't wait!

And because of these guys, I am proud to say I'm a Filipino.