AMW Reports: Freeway x Manansala Event

Early this week, I was one of the lucky bloggers who got an invite to attend the Freeway x Manansala Event.  The brand Freeway isn't new to me and I've attended a couple of their Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series and to those series that I've attended left me a good impact! My pride for our local artists expanded to this "nth" level!

I got tied up with super busy schedule so I wasn't able to attend the previous Two: Ramon Valera (Fashion Design) and the first living National Artist in the series, F. Sionil Jose (Literature)!  The latter, F. Sionil Jose is one of my favorite local novelist and I've read his book "Mass" from cover to cover (it was a highschool book report but I ended up liking it I reread it again a couple of years ago).

The Freeway x Manansala Event is no exception in putting me at awe so I'm glad I was able to bring myself to the event right in time!  Thanks Mira of Freeway for updating me!

To those who do not know who Vicente Manansala is ---

Vicente Silva Manansala was a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator.  Born in Macabebe, Pampanga on January 22, 1910, he studied at U.P. School of Fine Arts and received a six-month grant by UNESCO to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.  He received a nine-month scholarship to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris by the French Government.

Impressive right?

 Manansala painted an innovative mother and child, Madonna of the Slums, 1950 which reflected the poverty in postwar Manila.  Besides the Mother-and Child, his subjects included jeepneys, barong-barong, cockfighters, familieis gathering for a modest meal, and Quiapo women vendors of various goods.

Vicente Manansala was hailed a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts in 1982.

The event was hosted by my schoolmate Tim Yap and the ever fierce Divine Lee both wearing Manansala outfits.  

The 22 piece beautiful collection was showcased in a Fashion Show.  Everything was in a blur (so many people in the event) so I took shots of my 'favorites' amongst the huge collection.

 Three Quarter Sleeve Tent Top 

with Neckline Loop Piping

Extended Collar Tailored Dress with Print

Php1,995.00

Halter Bubble Dress with Print

Php1,995.00

Oversized Sublimation Print Top

Php1,295.00

Fans!

  After the fashion show, 3 important guests were asked to come up on stage for a chat.

From Left to Right ---

Ronna Manansala, the Granddaughter of Vicente Manansala

Cedie Lopez-Vargas of The Lopez Museum

and Maritess Mendoza-Pineda, Presdient of Freinds of Manansala Foundation

The 3 guests shared to the audience the brilliance of the man of the hour --- Vicente Manansala.  Oh, according to Ronna (the granddaughter), Mr. Manansala likes watching his tv shows with light on top of his head then he would wear sun visor!  It's a tiny tidbit not everyone would know about the said National Artist!

After the inspirational interview, Freeway's CEO, Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco gave her thanks to all the wonderful people behind the event!  The inspiration, the love makes National Artists Collectors' Series a success!

Some more merchandise from the collection that sparked my interest....I don't know about you but they do make a great gift especially to our friends from abroad!

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 

Mother of Pearl Necklace with Print Php845.00

Sleeveless Tent Dress with Center Panel Print Php1,995

Wooden 4 Square Bracelet Php795.00

Mousepad with Manasala Sungka Print Php145.00

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 

Canvass Tote Bag with Manansala Market Scene Php695.00

Commemorative Manansala Watch Php1,195

Knitted Bolero with print and Hem Ribbing Php1,495.00

Crop Semi-Circle Shaped Knit Top and Print Php795.00

 

For more information about the collection, visit Freeway website at www.freeway.net.ph. Like Freeway on Facebook (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and follow on Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline)

Which among the pieces above caught your interest?
Do you own any of the previous Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series piece/pieces?

Filipino Pride!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Freeway Summer 2011 Collection

Summer is here!  I will start working out and I'll probably use this as an inspiration...probably cut my head out and paste it on this photo?.....

Freeway came up with Summer 2011 Collection which is a Handpaint Tattoo Swimwear!  The company collaborated with designer Twinkle Ferraren which makes the collection unique and loved by art-lovers out there!

 

Freeway’s Tattoo-Inspired Collection is striking and definitely hot!  Tattoo lovers can take their passion for the ink to the waves or just casually lounge pool side while looking stylish. The collection inspired by tribal and tropical tattoos includes mix of strong with vibrant colored statement, sporty, functional and active-wear inspired pieces and cover-ups. Swimwears are mixed with mesh materials and tattoos printed on the suit, perfect for those who love to try new sports and activities in the beach. Twinkle describes the collection as “a modern and female version of the Pintados and tribes”.

Prepare to see these sexy collection at Freeway stores nationwide!  Aside from that, you can also checkout their wide assortment of summer dresses, shorts and tanks!  

For now, I'll share some more photos from the collection....

This is actually a favorite of mine!

For the red lovers out there!

And if you have nice...sexy..back...

Check out Freeway’s swimsuit collection at www.freeway.net.ph. For fresher updates, like them on Facebook, search for “Freeway Online” and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/FreewayOnline.

Are you doing anything to prepare your body for the swimsuit season?
I personally think you should purchase swimsuits you are comfortable with!
Nothing beats walking under the sun with that gorgeous smile and confidence!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Something New: Freeway's National Artists Collector's Series --- Jose Garcia Villa

When Freeway launched their National Artists Collector's Series last year, I told myself I will be attending all the launches because such idea is intriguing and I am Pro "Proud to be Filipino" companies!  Sad to say, I spoke to soon!  The next National Artist Collection from Jose Villa was missed by yours truly.  But hey, that does not mean I won't be reporting the collection to you! 

Last June, Freeway paid special homage to a great National Artist for Literature, the multi-awarded Jose Garcia Villa. 

 **photo from Freeway

Villa was considered as a powerful literary influence in the Philippines throughout much of the 20th century, although he had lived most of his life in the United States; thus earning the name "Pope of the Greenwhich Villages".  As Luis Francia explained from Asiaweek magazine.. "In a world of English language poetry dominated by the British and Americans, Villa stood out for the ascetic brilliance of his poetry and for his national origin."  Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter, and was hailed Philippine National Artist in 1973.

Freeway is proud to feature some of his well known work as interpreted in the collection which includes graphic tees, leggings, outerwear, woven tops, woven dresses, tote bags and clutches.  

**you can click photos to enlarge

All items will have their own gift packaging, a swing tag of Villa's bio and a Jose Garcia Villa authenticity stamp printed on the merchandise.  

   

To view the entire collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph.  Plus get fresher updates at their Facebook Fan Page (search for "freeway Online")  and Twitter.

To check back my report on my 2 previous National Artists Collection, smile and click ---

Literary Genius Nick Joaquin

Visionary master AngKiukok

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Freeway Summer 2010 Comapaign

Dear Philippine Readers:

Here's what I got over email, something exciting for the summer season from Freeway!  I love their swimwear!  My first branded swimwear was from them!  But not too sexy!!! hahaha

Enjoy sexy girl watching!

(all photos from Freeway)

Bead it!  This summer, Freeway brings out flattering silhouettes through its Beads Series!  Lots of natural coco beads in different sizes, strung through beautiful macrame portions of the swim wear.  Flattering sexy and fresh.  Aside from stunning swimwear, Freeway's Summer Collection includes the most coveted big mesh cover-ups in many flattering silhouettes, and wide assortment of summer dresses, shorts and tanks for that dressy casual summer feel.  Whatever your heart desires this summer... Freeway will be your partner in crime.

Striped Monokini

Php1,195 (approx $26.00)

One Piece Halter Swimsuit

Php1,295 (approx $28.00)

Beaded Tankini

Php1,295 (approx $28.00)

Beaded Bandeau Bikini

Php1,195 (approx $26.00)

Fashion: The Beads Series by Freeway
www.freeway.net.ph
Be a fan on Facebook, search for "Freeway Online"
Follow them on Twitter

Have a great day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: "Ang Kiukok Holiday Collection"

Freeway has launched it's second National Artist Collector's Series at The Row, Glorietta 5 last week.  The first sequel was the Nick Joaquin collection.  For this coming Holiday season, a new collection has blossomed, from the National Artist For Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok.

Ang Kiukok was a National Artist that one remembers with not just admiration and respect, but for those who knew him with endearment and affection. A man who was bold in his art but quiet in nature. As he told an interviewer once,

“I am not good at speaking. At school when the teacher asked me to recite, I could not say anything. When I was asked to write a long composition, I would only give a few sentences and the teacher didn’t like that. But in my painting, I feel free.  I can express what I want to say.”

 So true, I've seen the short film shown on the event when he received an award and all he could say was... "Maraming Salamat.....Maraming Salamat....Maraming Salamat.........Maraming Salamat" (Thank you).  It was really touching.

Hosted by Jocas de Leon, Freeway showcased the collection in a fashion show were models wore amazing hat pieces to complement each bold Kiukok outfit. Each model look gorgeous with dramatic lashes and smokey eyes that was done by VMV Hypoallergenics team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The evening winded down with interviews with passionate Ang Kiukok collectors such as Joey de Leon and experts such as art critic Cid Reyes and prominent collector, Dr. William Chua.

I must not forget to thank Mangan for the wonderful snacks served and definitely service with a smile!  My favorite is the "camote chips" (sweet potato chips) and their iced tea!!!

Ang Kiukok's unfinished painting

his brushes and his Picasso book 

where he gets his inspiration from

 

  

The lovely bunch together with Mr. Joey de Leon 

and Ms. Jocas De Leon

 

Me and Mr. Joey de Leon

such a nice guy!

 

Shen, yours truly together with my friends

Beatrilicious and Shannaholic

can't help but pose and tried to outdo the models!

(I said TRIED...but we failed lol)

 

I will definitely be going back to purchase some tops I've been eyeing during the fashion show!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!