La Coutts Toronto was a corporate sponsor at the 13th Edition of the International Fashion Encounter, held at Mercedes Benz Downtown Toronto on September 22n. We were there to witness the glorious merger of local & international designers to complete the International Fashion Encounter.
“LA COUTTS TORONTO is committed to pushing the boundaries of fashion and redefining the concept of luxury. Our products are thermally insulated and pride ourselves on creating exquisite, stylish, and functional bags designed to withstand the demands of modern-day life. Our innovative use of thermal technology ensures that your belongings stay protected and at the optimal temperature, all while exuding a sense of timeless elegance. We believe that fashion should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should also seamlessly integrate functionality and practicality. We are truly honored to be part of the prestigious International Fashion Encounter and have the opportunity to celebrate and uplift the talented individuals who are shaping the future of the fashion industry,” says Corie Coutts, the lady behind this brand.
“The recipient of the La Coutts Scholarship Program, in partnership with the Toronto Fashion Academy goes to Jashenpreet Kaur – she demonstrated unparalleled talent and creativity through a design that truly caught our attention. The scholarship is not just a monetary award; it is a symbol of our dedication to empowering the next generation of fashion designers. We firmly believe that by encouraging and nurturing new talent, we contribute to the continuous growth and innovation of the fashion industry, “ Corie added.
We sat there watching the catwalk at the basement of the Benz arena after munching on some handcrafted-chicken on skewer, mini-burgers and sushi on the second floor right beside the new sporty merc benz – (which we dream to own, most significant among the changes for the new model is the optional 2+2 seating design, which allows room for two additional passengers—if they’re small enough to fit into the cramped rear quarters). The flirtatious ramp scene presented some ornate and extravagant weaves but showed the perfect balance of opulence and functionality.
It brought back memories from Mania – to the months approaching Chrstmas after martial law was announced in September of 1972. I still vividly recall the Bagong Anyo era, a brainchild of Imelda Marcos. A month before the event, she had called all leading designers (from the established to the young turks) which included Auggie Cordero, Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales and Aureo Alonzo, Joe Salazar, Rusty Lopez and Ernest Santiago—to Malacañang. The grand meeting was attended by textile manufacturers, handicraft and accessory exporters, and the wives of Armed Forces officers. Imelda wanted to promote Philippine fashion in her livelihood program “Sariling Atin.” She had said that world leaders and the international jet set always marveled at her piña and jusi embroidered ternos by Ramon Valera, which she wore with such flair.
Bagong Anyo premiered at Nayong Pilipino on Dec. 18, 1972, followed by a gala at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Dec. 30. The finale number, Pilipinas Kong Mahal, performed by Superstar Nora Aunor at the height of her popularity drew a standing ovation.
I was present at some of the rehearsals (we were given special passes to be on the street later than 12 a.m. as curfew was strictly enforced) as I was close to most of the participants led by Marilen Ojeda, Jay Ilagan, Maritess Revilla, Ricky Belmonte, Ces Artadi, etc. The Isaac Hayes hit song Cafe Regio’s was a favorite musical backdrop to creations by Joe Salazar (he made some of Imelda’s ternos but don’t forget he was an avid Noranian and so, for a while, he made Nora Aunor’s best attires), Cesar Gaupo, Dante Ramirez to name a few. At three occasions, I saw Imelda stand and clap and just glide to the rhythm when Pilita Corrales warbled Ang Pipit and Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko. (But then, we were also victims of the martial law when publications had to close shop and we were jobless for months, that’s another story to tell.)
Aegis
They were in town, back after a year to celebrate their 25th year anniversary and some wondered: would they attract the same fanatics which jampacked Toronto Pavilion for two back-to-back consecutive nights making box office history? It was a good crowd that showed up 2 weeks ago with majority singing some of the hugot lines, some even standing to be part of the birit melodies.
Why is the band called AEGIS? The literary meaning of AEGIS is “Shield” or “Protection”. They decided to adapt this word as the name of their band, because it expresses what they want to share to their listeners, to feel when they listen to their songs, that of being “protected” and “shielded” from being lonely. They are hoping that lovers will find their songs as a protection from being lonely and broken-hearted. The songs Aegis recorded in their first album were written by Celso Abenoja, brother of Rey and manager Josie A. Galindo. They were songs written more than 20 years agol but was sidetracked by some sad personal circumstances. His songs never got to be played in that long span of time until this band of music-makers from Japan came along. The band originated from the group AG’s Soundtrippers, which performed in clubs and lounges all over Japan in 1995. The members later formed Aegis in 1998, composed of six women and one man: Sisters Juliet, Mercy and Kris Sunot on vocals, Stella Pabico on keyboards, Rowena Adriano on bass guitar, Vilma Goloviogo on drums and Rey Abenoja on guitars.
Mercy Sunot says they never planned on an active career in the Philippines, much less, dream of becoming recording artists and idols to the masses. To them, earning a living out of music and performing before foreigners in clubs and lounges all over Japan was enough. It was enough that they could earn a few lapad’s, stay in nice hotels overseas, indulge in great food, and have some extra money left to send over hungry relatives in the Philippines.
With an impressive 25-year journey in the industry, Aegis has left an indelible mark, enchanting listeners with unforgettable hits such as “Halik,” “Mahal na Mahal Kita,” and “Luha.” These beloved tunes continue to resonate in karaoke sessions and grace the airwaves of radio stations, cementing Aegis as a musical force to be reckoned with.
How could you lend a deaf ear to their hugot lines. Ang halik mo, na-mi-miss ko, Bakit iniwan mo ako,Nasasaktan ako oh, baby!, Sa tuwing nakikita ka, Naninibugho ako oh baby!, Pag may kasama kang iba…
Gary V
As I write, Gary V, reenergized, is back. His wife Angeli texted us that they’re arriving on Friday, Sept 29. Gary was supposed to do a big concert here in 2020 when Covid happened. Now presented by JUST IN TIME Productions in cooperation with Black Diamond Event Management SMDC and Maple Toyota, Gary’s 40th anniversary event will be seen on Oct 1, 6 pm, at the John Bassett Theatre with special performances by Ivy Joy, Aguila Maniquiz, Celine Grey and Kayleigh Cerezo.
I first met Gary in 1983. Kuh Ledesma called me, excited to break the news. “I met this young guy last night. You have to see him perform. Can I invite you later? He will sing for you – so galing! Believe me, he will be the next big singing sensation.” So I did – he was tall, good looking and so shy, strumming his guitar softly as he did ballads. “Di ba, he’s sooo goood?” Kuh asked. Yes!!! But I didn’t know that later he could exhibit his terpsichorean skills.
Gary began his career as a backup dancer for international acts like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. He eventually found success as a solo artist, with his first album, Gary V., released in 1988. In 1989, he was awarded Best Balladeer by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). He has won numerous awards since then including Best Male Performer at the 12th Awit Awards in 1991 and Male Pop Artist of the Year at the 2001 MTV Pilipinas Music Awards. The rest is history, he is widely known as Mr. Pure Eenergy.
Remember the time when Gary’s doctor told him he would only live until 44 years old, and he is beyond grateful to have lived longer than expected.
Valenciano recalled getting his diagnosis at the age of 14 and how the news was delivered to his mother.
“The doctor told my mother, ‘Mrs. Valenciano, a type 1 diabetic is given an average life span of 30 years from the day of diagnosis.’ I was 14,” he narrated. “So if you do the math, when I got to 44, I should have been gone or maybe I got to 48, but had problems with my eyesight and nerve endings.”
Valenciano then added he is so grateful to the Almighty (he’s very religious) for reaching age 59 and he believes he is not living on “borrowed time.”
Valenciano also talked about reconnecting with God, and how it shaped him as a performer. Gary remains a Kapamilya after signing a new exclusive network contract with ABS-CBN last July 25 — in time for the celebration of his 40th year in showbiz. After four decades of performing live onstage countless times, Gary Valenciano was merely being honest to his audience when he admitted he still gets the jitters every time he mounts the stage to sing. He has remained grounded despite his iconic achievements.
Calvento/Soriano
Sonny Calvento’s Surreal Tale of Resilience, ‘Primetime Mother’ as an official selection in this year’s Short Cuts programme of TIFF 2023 is still the talk of the town here. Written and directed by Calvento, the film navigates the emotional terrain of motherhood in this surrealist portrait of love and sacrifice by intertwining personal narratives with societal reflections.
In the film, we meet Minda, played by acclaimed actress Meryll Soriano, a 45-year-old mother with an unyielding dream amid struggles with an ailing child. The film beautifully captures Minda’s evolution from a devoted mother to a figure of resilience as she was thrust in a chance to survive in a high-stakes TV game show “My Amazing Mama.” As Minda confronts these seemingly insurmountable challenges, her tenacity in the face of adversity becomes an inspiration not only to her fellow participants but to everyone around her. It unearths the unbreakable bond between a mother’s unwavering devotion and her pursuit of dreams amidst life’s trials.
Primetime Mother uses the backdrop of a television game show to convey its narrative, stemming from his years of experience in the industry, recognizing how television often reinforces patriarchal standards. By juxtaposing the story against this backdrop, Calvento underscores the need to challenge these norms, highlighting the right of every mother to nurture her aspirations and seek fulfillment beyond the traditional roles.
“I was at first apprehensive in offering this project to Meryll Soriano whose father, Willy Revillame, is a well-loved host of a noon time favorite game show,” Sonny informed. “But Meryll said yes and that’s a plus.”
What is different about working on a short format like the short film? In which narrative mode is Sonny most comfortable?
“The short film form is challenging because you only have a few minutes to tell a story and its collaterals (the characters, the milieu, the message…), but for me short films can be more powerful than television and/or feature films, if you are telling a compelling story with a strong message. Writing for television in the Philippines is very different. The audience somehow dictates what they want to see and how they want the story to go since the television industry in the Philippines is very business-oriented, where you must make story adjustments if your rating drops. I feel more comfortable working on shorts than television because shorts offer a lot of freedom to explore identities and unique ways of telling your story.”
In 2021, Calvento’s first short film Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss became the first Filipino short film in Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Locarno Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest and Shanghai International Film Festival. The same film won the Audience Award in Locarno Shorts Week 2023. The inclusion of this Calvento’s short film stands as a testament to the country’s ability to create narratives that resonate universally, solidifying its place on the global stage.
We also asked Sonny if he’s doing a major film right now. “I am on the planning stage.”
Meanwhile, we also had enough time to chat with Meryll.
“Life begins at 40, 40 na ako,” Meryll said. “I am now in the process of looking for a vehicle that I want to direct.
Meryll has lived and breathed the industry that she’s in. She was born to it. Her mom is Bec-Bec Soriano, sister to award-winning actress Maricel Soriano. “It’s the world that I grew up in. I didn’t have any idea of any other worlds aside from the showbiz industry because I think, nasa tiyan pa lang ako ng nanay ko, I was already on the set. It’s not like I really wanted to be an actress, it was just the most available thing for me.”
Meryll at the age of eight was in a TV show called Bulinggit, followed by Buddy en Sol and her movie called Rocky Plus V. She claims she never felt like she was actually working. “When I was a kid, acting was like playing since I was so used to that kind of environment.” she shares. However, realization hit her when she saw her friends playing outside, when she was just about to go home and sleep after long hours of taping. “In high school, I wanted to stop acting completely. I was helping my family with my work, but I wanted to be ‘normal.’ I never had a time in my life when I was really normal and ordinary.”
Unknown to some, Meryll studied Product Design at Central Saint Martins in London, where she lived for three years; and has published a collage of her photography work called Playground: London. She would have become a professional ballet dancer or an athlete. “Before I started acting, I did ballet. I also wanted to become an athlete because I played voleyball for seven year. That’s when I realized that sports would always be part of my life. I also wanted to become a professional swimmer I really enjoy the water.”
But now she’s back to the film industry and wants to be totally involved not only as a performer but also behind the cameras. “When I am ready with my project, you will be the first to know,” she promised us.
Goodbye for now dear readers, abangan ang susunod na kabanata after two weeks.
