The Five (5) Best Filipiniana Designers 2021 Survey Results

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The Waters that Surround Hawaii May Be Blue but Honolulu is Definitely Red

Honolulu is the capital city of the state of Hawaii in the United States of America. Located at the southeast coast of the island of O'ahu, the name of the city means "sheltered harbor" or "calm port." Just like any other American city, Honolulu is busy and life there is flaming red.

Whether from the mountain or from the sea, Honolulu has a stunning aerial view. Buildings add to the beauty of the city. But I can just imagine how beautiful it was during the olden days with the structures back then (some of which are still preserved in the whole city).

Just like any other modern city in the world, Honolulu has its share of tall buildings that makes it more cosmopolitan. But when I was there, even if there were tall structures around, there was always that Hawaiian atmosphere that you can only feel and experience there.

No wonder, it is one of the most visited cities on earth. I, myself, is a witness to that. When I arrived in Honolulu, there were a lot of flights that arrived at the time of our arrival and there were lots of tourists that visited the city from all over the globe.

With its many visitors, I think that the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport needs an upgrade to cater to the needs of the growing number of tourists. Its sea port is also as busy as its air counterpart. Growth is part of a beautiful city such as Honolulu and its facilities upgrade is necessary.

One thing that I noticed is the use of old structures for government offices. This is one way of preserving historical edifices and, at the same time, making use of them for important service-oriented offices. This way, culture is still rich and history is kept.

Wherever we go in the world, malls have become part of any country's culture. Honolulu has its Ala Moana Center which caters to all kinds of markets. They have affordable stores as well as high-end brands for everyone's shopping delight. The International Market Place is another option for locals and tourists as well.

Aside from swimming in the beaches of Honolulu, surfing is a reason for visiting the city. With the high waves from the Pacific Ocean, it really is an ideal surfing place. Mountain trekking is also a popular activity to appreciate the city more from the view above.

But whatever reason may be, a visit to Honolulu is a must once in someone's lifetime. For me, I will be back to this lovely city. The Filipinos there are even more hospitable. I felt that my 10-day stay was so short. Never there was a dull moment especially that I was able to meet new friends. Yes, the waters around Honolulu may be blue but the city is as red as can be.

Thank you to Lorna Imperial and Ramon Sumibcay for bringing me to Honolulu and for producing the "Islas" fashion show (which I directed) of Edgar Madamba held at the Grand Ballroom of the Dole Cannery. Other new-found friends worth the thank you are Pacita Ignacio, Bennie Medina, Sarah Luz Hosaka, Hawaii superstar Iwalani Tseu, Dr. Nancy Walsh, Charo Feliciano and all the countless others who made my stay a very memorable one.

From the bottom of my heart, MAHALO!

Credit goes to the owners of some of the photos.

Inabel 2018 Fashion Show

Sitio Remedios in Currimao, Ilocos Norte

Currimao in Ilocos Norte is a quaint and quiet town just a few municipalities from Ilocos Sur and to Laoag City. Little do people know that there is a resort called Sitio Remedios which is a sight to behold with its Ilocano-inspired houses and a beach that has a beautiful sunset. It is owned by the country's top neurologist, a dedicated art connoisseur and philanthropist Dr. Joven Cuanang. I was there during the 2017 holy week where my group and I did a fashion show on Black Saturday to give tribute to the weavers of the Ilocano fabric called inabel specially woven by national treasure Magdalena Gamayo of Pinili. The works of two Ilocano designers were featured - the children's wear of Nina Corpuz of Batac City and the creations of Edgar Madamba of San Nicolas.

The old world is ever present in the resort. Cobblestones line up the pathways going to the main area and the houses (or villas). Dr. Cuanang wants to preserve Sitio Remedios this way so that it will be different from nearby resorts and in the province as well.

One can experience nature at its best because the houses are surrounded by trees and plants. The architecture is reminiscent of the old Ilocos era sans wifi and television.

The beach and its fine sand is something worth traveling to the north. The sunset is picture-perfect. The ambience is romantic.

Breakfast is made up of Ilocano fare which are palatable to all types of visitors. If guests are plenty, dinner by the sea is something that Sitio Remedios offers.

Wedding receptions, family reunions, company outings and other special events are held in Sitio Remedios. It has venues where these can be held.

Interiors made from indigenous materials to have a rustic ambience that is typically Filipino and Ilocano are sights to behold. The red tiles that were used during the olden times are everywhere.

A fountain, a bellfry and a chapel are some of the many features the Sitio Remedios offers. It is a town within a town. It is a commune rather than just an ordinary resort.

When one wants to find peace and quiet away from the maddening crowd in the metropolis, Sitio Remedios is a perfect place to go to. Personally, it is one place where I found the quietness that I needed much.

Sitio Remedios can be reached via bus that ply the Laoag route. You may tell the conductor to stop at the Currimao crossing and take a tricycle to the resort which is just nearby. By air, you may take the flights going to Laoag and rent a van that will take you to Sitio Remedios.