SM Accessories' big reveal at Republiq

Last Thursday, I was at Republiq for the launch of SM Accessories' new collection and the big reveal of their four new ambassadors, who were none other than Anne Curtis, Georgina Wilson, Xian Lim, and Richard Gutierrez. There's no better choice than these four, who have the biggest star power in showbiz. It helps that they look so damn good on their own and together.

The show kicked off with a fashion show featuring the new collection of SM Accessories. The collection featured ikat prints and utilitarian pieces that would be perfect for the summer. Frankly, I haven't shopped in the SM department store for quite some time but I've noticed that their selections are becoming more sophisticated and upscale whenever I visit to pay my bills. The show last night made me want to go to the nearest branch of SM and spend, spend, spend! The collection is now available in department stores so it might be a wise idea to get there before everyone comes in for the holiday season.

The big reveal was met with much enthusiasm, even from the media area. All pretenses of indifference were dropped when Anne, Georgina, Richard, and Xian came out to take their walk. I have to admit, I had a hard time controlling myself when Xian came out. I mustered all my dignity to remind myself that I was there as part of the media and not as obsessed fan.

After the show, a private press conference was held at one of the rooms in Opus, and I had to charm my way in to get a glimpse of the endorsers (okay, Xian). I didn't really ask questions but spent the time just watching and smiling at them and taking pictures. Georgina was a little reserved but Xian was really friendly when I frantically waved and smiled at him. As you can see, I left my dignity and poise at the entrance of Opus.

Getting Anne, Georgina, Richard, and Xian will usher a new era in SM Accessories. Signing them on as endorsers will definitely help the company, but with the sublime designs, I don't think SM would need much help. Here is a teaser of their items. Dibs on everything ikat!

Ingersoll media preview at Premio, F1 Hotel

Last Monday, I was at Premio in F1 Hotel, Bonifacio Global City for the media preview of Ingersoll's new collection. Ingersoll is an American watch brand that combines the craftsmanship of Asian design and the old-world elegance of European brands. I was invited for dinner with other representatives of the press. I was seated with Amador Madamba, the lifestyle editor of Men's Health Philippines and the sales team of Gadgets magazine.

Ingersoll watches have been here for over a year, and it is its old-world sophistication that has Filipinos clamoring to get their own. The designs are European, but it has the efficiency of Asian techniques, resulting in a refined timepiece that will win the hearts of consumers. And the best thing is, the watches are affordable, allowing everyone from every economic background to experience a touch of class.

Ingersoll began in 1880 when brothers Robert and Charles Ingersoll created Ingersoll to address a need for quality watches at reasonable prices. This resulted in the “Dollar-Watch,” which, quite literally, cost only one dollar. The watch became highly coveted that Mark Twain and Thomas Edison were some of its earliest fans. Former US president Theodore Roosevelt was known in Africa as “the man from the country where Ingersolls are produced.”

All of this was discussed at the media preview by Peter Thong and Kenny Chong, the principals of the brand. They took the time to visit the Philippines to present the watches and entertain questions. They even made rounds during dinner, initiating conversation. It must be this friendly and accommodating approach that makes the brand relevant and global. Currently, Ingersoll is available in 40 countries.

Ingersoll boasts of three collections that promise a great design and even greater quality. All pieces show bold German designs but have movements from China, an advantage because it offers more designs and variety at affordable prices.

The three collections are the Classic, Bison, and Active. The Classic and Bison both have top class automatic and mechanical movements with multi-functions and a power reserve of a minimum 36 hours. They come in high-quality genuine leather straps, and have high-grade mineral glass lens and caseback. As for the Active collection, its edge is in its functionality, allowing active users to look stylish in the game. It either comes in authentic leather straps or stainless steel buckles, giving athletes more options for dressing up.

Miss Resorts World Manila 2012 at the Newport Mall

Host Bianca Valerio, who looked great even after making mistakes in hosting

Last Wednesday, I was at Resorts World to attend the swimwear competition of the Miss Resorts World Manila 2012, an event I covered for When In Manila. It was a little surreal because while I love beauty pageants (part of the gay gene, I guess), I've never focused much on the swimsuit portion, using the time to go to the restroom or practice my walk. Nonetheless, I had fun at the event.

Some of the girls in the competition 

My bets: Michelle Gavagan and Hannah dela Guerra 

Julian Flores, the Darling of the Press

There were 20 girls, and it struck me how the contestants are either students, models, or students and models. I was surprised to see Michelle Gavagan, a girl I went to high school with. My bets were Michelle and this other girl, Hannah dela Guerra, and I gave them the highest scores during the voting for the Darling of the Press award, reserved for the girl that has "something about her that you are attracted to," according to Bianca Valerio who served as host. Unfortunately, it was Julian Flores who won the award. I think I gave her a high score, too.

The girls underwent rigorous training that began in October. Challenges ranged from a camera facing workshop with supermodel Joey Mead, a calendar shoot with the talented Mark Nicdao, Pam Quiñones, and Jing Monis at Maxims Hotel, and a personality development class and makeup training with Mafae Belasco and Jing Monis, respectively. And on November 6, the talent competition was held where Johanne Dagohoy won with a rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.

The four finalists in the swimsuit competition: Kaara Tan, Roxanne Jesalva, Erika San Buenaventura, and Julian Flores

The winner of the swimsuit competition, Zahara Mae Soriano, with Executive Vice President Steve Reilly

Kaara Tan, Roxane Jesalva, Julian Flores, Erika San Buenaventura made it to the top five in the swimwear category, with Zahara Soriano rounding out the finalists and clinching the title of Best in Swimwear. Out of the girls, she was the most popular and had friends, family, and fans shouting for her and waving placards with her name. She wasn't my bet, but oh well.

Michelle was one of the most beautiful girls in the competition

Right after, the girls will be flying to Hong Kong for the legendary Star Cruises and Disneyland. But it won’t be just fun and games as they will join challenges like an Amazing Race-style game that will test their wits and street smarts. The girls will be back at the Performing Arts Theater of the Newport Mall on November 23 for the final coronation for Miss Resorts World Manila 2012. The girls will be in the final runway with clothes from the Cebu Designers' Guild headed by Philip Rodriguez. The winner will receive a grand prize of P750,000, while the first runner-up will receive P500,000 and second runner-up will receive P300,000.