We only needed a feathered boa: One jazz music experience

I can never be in love with jazz music, both the standard and the new forms, if not because of Michael Buble and his fantastic singing.

During the Tokyo-Manila Jazz and Arts Festival preview concert almost two weeks ago, I did not care if I was with old business people secretly pounding their fingers onto their laps or onto the tables, with socialites who always have a good taste of music, and with properly made-up waitresses.

I am a young and coming artsy guy looking for good music everywhere. And when I attended the free jazz concert, I knew I made the right decision.

Tingling sensation everywhere. The crescendos, the vibratos, and the voices of the jazz artists from the Philippines and from Japan tickled me. So sad for the old men that I can freely jive with the music patting my hands and fingers on the table without being judged. Hey, I’m still young.

That night was a night of excellent music. I was like in a lounge or inside a bar in Chicago, Illinois listening to the talented African-American singers such as in Dream Girls, The Great Gatsby, or in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Too bad my mom was with us and I could not order a cocktail drink.

With renowned Filipino Jazz singer Charito

If you think Tokyo and Manila (oh yes they are business partners now), but looking back through history, were mortal enemies, music now binds them together. Japanese artists playing instruments and Filipino artists singing to their beat.

A Grand piano. A Japanese guy on with his double bass. Early 1900s fashion inspirations, at least, though some of the artists really tried so hard. And of course, a photo-op with Charito, one of the country’s highly-acclaimed Jazz singer, who, married a foreigner.

Real artistry. With Japanese double bass player, Yoshio Suzuki

Some post-scripts: It’s my first post about music, real music. And I love Solaire Resort and Casino, by the way. I wanted to wrap a boa around my sister and my mom who were with me that night.

Buttered fried chicken by me

I usually don’t cook. I love baking more than cooking, partly because of the after smell cooking brings to my fingers and because I can dip a clean finger in a baking mixture and try a free taste. I rarely cook a dish. The only dish I cooked by myself would start way back from elementary days: Estofadong Liempo, and I won’t forget that.

But because of many realizations and being exposed to much media now, I think I want to try out gourmet cooking one day. And it starts from one simple step: cooking up Buttered Fried Chicken for dinner.

Fried chickens are too mainstream, from fastfood restaurants to an easy-to-prepare chicken dish only to be coated with breading mixes. I want to try out a fried chicken out of the norm. When I found a small bottle of turmeric powder in our kitchen cabinets, I knew what to do.

And voila! I was able to cook the second dish I made my entire life, which, my sister (a chicken foodie, by the way) loved so much. Warning: not for health-conscious people, it’s bathed in butter plus fats plus cholesterol and what-not.

Thanks to the Magnolia website for the recipe!

Ingredients

1 kilo Magnolia Chicken Cut-ups, assorted parts

1 tbsp Calamansi

1 tbsp Garlic, chopped

2 tsp Ginger, chopped

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Pepper

Magnolia Nutri-oil for deep-frying

2 pc         Egg, slightly beaten

½ cup Cornstarch

½ cup Magnolia Butter-licious!, melted

Procedure

1. Marinate the Chicken Ups in calamansi, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Dip chicken in beaten eggs and roll in cornstarch.
3. Deep fry chicken until golden and cooked through then drain in paper towels.
4. Toss fried chicken in melted butter. Serve hot.

Serves 4.

UPCMC’s best-dressed journalism graduates

What I love about graduating from college is being free from all the burdening stress of four years in college, for some, at least four years. One is free like a butterfly, out from his own cocoon, that is, the acads – the ever-controlling factor. He can fly to wherever destination he wants. But has he really got a direction, a day or two after graduation?

That’s what I hate about graduation from college. You’re unsure, uncertain. Yes, you can be who you want and travel to wherever you want, but in the long-term, where will all these bring you?

But I’m happy I’ve got a blog like this which becomes my escape.

UP graduation is unlike any other. Because graduates are all bright? That’s been overstated. Because of the Sablay? Many schools are already trying to do it, and they’re successful.

UP CMC graduation is unique because of being tied with fashion tastes, for girls particularly. For the guys, it’s always been a challenge on how to look good and stand out with a single choice of attire: a barong Tagalog. Some chose to do the tradition, the original barong Tagalog. Some chose to do the uncommon, wearing a barong with a Chinese collar. Nothing feng shui-ish about it, but the guys on my batch who did were able to pull it off.

For the girls, it’s a tougher challenge. We know that students of UP Maskom generally have a strong taste of fashion. How to wear something striking while staying in the standards of wearing a cocktail dress colored white, beige, or any similar shade.

And some were successful and some clearly failed on the challenge, those who were not able to broaden their mind.

I was not only a graduate that morning at the Cine Adarna, I was also a fashion police.

I would admit my bias, having only observed the people from my course, Journalism. Forgive me.

Coming third on my top list of the best-dressed girls during graduation is Eimor Santos. I am always been a fan of long-sleeved laces, which inspired my sister’s gown during her debut. Lace dresses are choosy upon their masters. They only look good to people with a nice figure.

Photo by Eimor’s dad

Her dress reminded me of a Michael Cinco creation worn by Jennifer Lopez.  I’m not just sure if Eimor also does good dancing matched with good singing. Eimor?

From fashionpulis.com

Coming in second place is Tinig ng Plaridel’s editor-in-chief AY 2012-2013 Xianne Arcangel. Her dress won’t be that noticeable if not for the train. She was the true mark of a person who thinks beyond the line. I guess she was also among the fewest (or none at all) who wore a dress with a train. You could imagine the flying and trailing while she walked.

Adding to the score was the fact that Xianne is not actually the fashionista type, until the graduation ceremony.

Photo from Xianne’s Facebook account

And, the woman who earned the top spot is Raine Calucag. People know she’ll be fashionable during the ceremony, but to be THIS fashionable, nobody expected that. My favorite dress that morning, among all. Mostly made of huge laces, it reminded me of my mom’s wedding gown. The dress hanging above the knee opens down, a blend of a ballerina and a cheerleader.

Me with Raine. Photo taken by Melissa Luz Lopez

I wouldn’t forget a dress that would earn a special mention. I actually never noticed this during the ceremony, but when I saw her pictures on Facebook, the dress looked amazing. It’s worn by Kat Enriquez, one of my first friends in UP.

Photo submitted by Kat

It reminded me of Miss Australia 2008 Laura Dundovic’s national costume during the Miss Universe 2008 competition.

From souveniraustralia.com

Congratulations UP Batch 2013!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artetekta: The best designs for me (Part 3)

What’s nice about Artetekta and Mode Elle is that they feature and showcase young designers who are either new to their craft or designers who have just found their passion out of fashion design, coming from different fields.

Not a very mainstream fashion show, Artetekta is the equivalent of our Cinemalaya independent films – the designs are born out of pure dedication without profit interests, they are born out of a desire to touch lives. Therefore, I couldn’t be tired of hearing the small piece of story from Rey Castillo every after the show. What more, this is a fashion show that duly recognizes designers – young or senior – and the entire team of make-up artists with certificates, when in other fashion shows, only the head MUA and the head photographer gets recognized.

Models come from different walks of life and from different educational background. What brings them together is good heart, a beautiful face that touches thousands.

My friend who models for Mode Elle is actually an active member of our church. I could see her walk as a normal girl in church like any other, simple and prim. But when she enters the stage, she turns into a completely different girl – fierce and ready to fight it out.

For this part, I would be choosing my favorite designs from the entire fashion show – of course excluding those by Gathercole and Sta. Maria which I singled out in the first part simply because they are overqualified for this selection.

Some designs were outstanding in their own ways, considering the entire set.

First on my list is this creation by Dave Ocampo . It’s simple but brings out a lot of aura. It has a Earth tone on it, seeing the leaf-like pattern, and very comfortable to wear. I love designs with repetitive patterns.

I would have to say that the collection of Alessandro Sy that night wowed me in its own particular sense. It is a total opposition from the idea of Sta. Maria, which was very dark and evil. When Sy’s models strutted down the runway, you could feel the holiness and the purity. The creative addition of silver rosaries and accessories added to the idea that these girls are saint-like. The translucent silk fabric that reflected the lights as the girls walked also is a plus point.

Adam Balasa is known for his wedding gowns and he never failed to impress me that afternoon. You can see how I was inspired to take this photo and to edit this photo, as if it was a bridal photoshoot. It challenged the norm by creating a very long train of veil, soft, smooth and flowy. What I didn’t like was the way the veil was attached – through the girl’s braid, which was a bit humorous.

A barong Tagalog defines the Filipino alpha male. It cannot be perfect when one stares at it alone. The perfection is always established with the combination of the barong and the person wearing it. In this case, the model nailed it.

The moment the model wearing this piece entered, you can sense a diwata or a fairy just lingering around. Just add a breeze of wind and a blow of leaves from trees and you get the picture.

It’s the girl on the right, disregard the one on the left. I am a fan of joker and Harlequin-inspired designs and this really impressed me. But there’s just a problem with the short skirt. Can there be a better piece?

And of course, who wouldn’t be impressed with this set? Looking at the unique pattern of the brown fabric, it reminds me of Gothic vampires, very Medieval and eastern Orthodox. I promise myself that on my next formal function, I would adapt the design on the left. I just have to think twice about the shorts.

Me, my sister Denisse, model Jam and Tita Ghe

With the man behind the show, Mr. Rey Allen Castillo

Defining the entire show were the contrasting and opposing colors of black and white. Good and evil. The yin-yang. I just forgot to say that I got a perfect outfit (above), look at the inside, minus the coat.

View the rest of the gallery here:

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Artetekta: You know it’s summer when you see bodies (Part 2)

Each day was a different experience. If Day 1 was a fashionista warm-up by showcasing designs such as cocktails, everyday dresses, and street attires, and if the second day was an out-of-the-world experience, marking the third and the last day of the show were: curves, bodies, and more bodies.

It was the day where I saw several cameras, either digital SLRs or iPads, targeted toward the models, where I heard several “oooohs,” and saw smiles, more from the girls looking at each other as if sharing a common bond and agreement. Desirable OR not desirable.

Well it’s true. Mode Elle shouldn’t just be proud of its cause but its models as well. They nailed it!

It was breezing cold that afternoon inside the SMX Convention Center hall, but everything got neutralized with the scorching fashion show.

Mode Elle featured swimsuits by Tropical Heat Resort Wear. Plain-colored swimsuits with playful necklines and fabrics that sweep through the female’s abdomen down, and swimsuits with animal prints. These designs are perfect for women who are not very much confident of their figure but want to turn heads as they hit the beach. Designs that are less revealing but still wild-looking.

An added-value: the beach music playing over the background. Rawr!

Not only the girls actually made splashes during the fashion show’s closing walk but also the guys, but of course, not in their swimsuits, or it may be too… revealing. Not appropriate for the little kids watching the fashion show, kids who are mostly relatives of the models.

But still, we see topless bodies paired with tight-fitting jeans designed by rising fashion designer, Joy Rago. So, here they are!

Read the first part here: http://lindley101.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/artetekta-each-glide-a-gift-to-cancer-patients-part-1/

Artetekta: Each glide, a gift to cancer patients (Part 1)

When every glide turns into compassion, when every stride turns into touching lives, and when every beautiful face is a face with a good heart, you know that a fashion show is unlike any other.

This was what the Artetekta Fashion Show last April 18 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center brought me. The show was part of the national convention organized by the United Architects of the Philippines where delegates from around the country participated.

In a small corner of a hall in SMX (of course I’m comparing it to the grand set-ups of the Philippine Fashion Week), was a runway designed like a live party show than a fashion show. The audience where all lit up unlike the dark area brought by the country’s fashion week.

The moment we reached the venue, the SMX Convention Center, we knew it was going to be a fashion show like no other. A donation box was provided for patrons and for advocates at the registration booth.

The man behind Mode Elle, Rey Allen Castillo, is a cancer survivor whose life’s challenges inspired him to do his job and his passion with a heart. Castillo is  a Nursing graduate and chose to pursue fashion and ramp modelling as his career.

He battled against leukemia and won. There is no better way than to give back by helping people who are suffering from different kinds of cancer. Money collected from his various shows are donated to charity organizations.

“Somebody told me, ‘You are a nurse, why don’t you pursue your track?’ I answered, ‘I work more than being a nurse now. Cause without knowing, I’m touching their real hearts without even using my hands,’” Castillo mentions in his Facebook account.

As I told my friend, Jam, who was also part of the modelling group, the designs may well challenge the designs of veteran designers showcased during the country’s prestigious fashion shows.

Some designs were so-so. But there were two particular collections that struck me the most. I had goosebumps, literally.

Bravo to Michael Sta. Maria and to Rocky Gathercole! Genius designers!

Gathercole’s Collection: Cotton Candies and Ninjas

I’ve attended fashion weeks twice, but this is the collection that gave me constant goosebumps. I admire Ezra Santos, Cary Santiago, or Michael Cinco, but who cannot admire a Rocky Gathercole that rocked SMX that afternoon?

The Dubai-based designer never failed to wow the audience, me particularly.

While his models walked on the runway, a story was playing inside my mind: a group of female zombies (the black-clad models) who just rose from the dead, with the bones and skulls of animals still clung on their bodies invaded, only to be saved by the a princess, the lady wearing a cotton-like gown, tulle, and a feathered head dress which wiped away the evil brought by the carcasses.

Kidding aside, the designs were creatively done. The bulkiness of the white gown never spoke on its own but actually worked its way to the top. I was only  a bit uncomfortable with the cocktail dress made from gray fur, that it seemed out of the whole story (or the collection).

Without further adieu, here are rest of the photos!

Sta. Maria’s Collection: Saints and Chocolates

Dark and the color black centered Sta. Maria’s collection during the fashion show. He actually went out of the norm and presented designs which I haven’t seen before. The designs appeared to have been inspired by the overused Lady Gaga, particularly the Judas music video, as well as her Alejandro. Aside from the pop icon, inspirations also were Jesus Christ with the presence of crowns and a crown of thorns.

But there may be more than the appearance itself. I could see images of the Virgin Mary, her dark counterpart as the designs tried to be holy in an evil way. Messages such as freedom and being chained were seen. A model was literally chained by a strap around her wrist.

The models walked in a very out of the ordinary fashion — swaying, following a very tipsy path.

 

Weak but strong

 

This post should have been a poetry. But I guess a poetic message is an overstatement for my feels tonight.

We are going strong. It’s been almost two months and we have been through storms, tides, and sometimes, fine days. The two months of togetherness seemed like a year.

Every time we meet, every time we open our mouths to speak, we talk about a thousand topics, a thousand words, and we draw out a thousand laughter. I have made you cry and you have made me weep as well.

And yet, we are going strong, afraid of goodbyes, as I will always be.

My greatest asset are my words, my charms, and my smile (without the braces). I do not have the physique, nor the bulky muscles that entice women — not even an athletic body.

I’m not into sports though I bike and swim when necessary, that is, during summer getaways with family and friends.

I do not play basketball and therefore, unable to make strategies that work best for a team. But my strategies will always be for the better.

When we dance, I could be satisfied with the both of us swaying on the dance floor, under dim lights, with a slow music on the background. I could do waltz but I am uncertain if I can lift you up as long as you want.

When you are drunk and tipsy, all I could do is to lay your arms on my shoulders as we walk to my car, and offer you cups of coffee. I could not carry you like a groom does to a bride when they are about to leave the church.

But one thing, I could be the strongest person you could ever meet. A person who listens, a person who understands, and a person relates to your sorrows. I could hold your tears as long as you want. And when you want to be happy, I could pull off a smile from you.

 

 

 

Why is Baguio sweeter the third time?

It’s been a common belief that things are better – alright, sweeter – the second time around. This can be related to a wide array of things: love, life, career, and what-not. I visited Baguio the third time around just last week, the first when I was around seven, and the second, because of a school competition.

My third visit to Baguio has so far been the sweetest. I’ve never seen the city that way before: so alive, so romantic, and so dramatic. Who says Baguio has been populated by pollution and dirt? It still is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Be proud, Philippines!

Inside the car when we drove along Kennon Road, one of the city’s entry points, there were murmurs that “Yeah, Baguio is not great anymore,” “It’s so hot in Baguio,” and many other things. I took them in believing at first that yes, maybe the city has been so commercialized that it has lost its inner beauty.

I could remember my mom reminiscing her younger days in Baguio. You could smell the aroma of the pine trees just as you climb up to the city, she told us. I know the smell of pine trees and I never encountered on my third visit. Yet, there were greater things which came.

Traveling is not for the sake of being the center of attention who you get to talk to your buddies one dinner on a table of drinks, boasting that you have been to such and such places. I also do not believe that traveling is all about seeing the most famous tourist attractions – in Baguio, it may be Mines View, but I don’t know (the place has now become mainstream) – and take a picture with it and say, hey, I’ve been to it! Maybe one cannot keep himself from doing it with Eiffel Tower, but that’s Paris.

I believe traveling is all about discovering new things, realizing that there is a whole new world different from what you see in your hometown. It is also about finding yourself.

In this post, you would not see descriptions of places in Baguio, ‘coz hello, who hasn’t got an idea about the place? My post will be about meeting with an acquaintance, i.e. Baguio City, the third time around.

She has changed a lot since the last time we met.

Makes you think there are werewolves looming inside. By the way, it was Full Moon when we reached Baguio.

1. The Weather

Yes, I have to admit we visited Baguio to get away from Manila’s scorching summer heat. But there’s more to that. When we were on our way, taking the North Luzon Expressway which was hellish then because of the heavy traffic, I told myself that I wanna see the summer capital in a different way. Being cold in there given but I want a slight dripping of rain, wet and damp. I knew at first it would be impossible, weather forecasts said.

But the skies began to extend answers to my wishes when, in Pangasinan, skies were a bit darker, signs of a looming storm. There were no whispers of thunders but you can feel the gloom in the surroundings, as everybody feels when there is a coming rain.

Thank God I did not need to do the rain dance.

That was our second day in Baguio, after we took our lunch to the 50s Diner around the plaza, near the Burnham fences. Before we checked it, the sky was clear. It was a gift to me when, after lunch, as we went out of the restaurant, I saw the perfect weather I was hoping for. Slight dripping of rains. A cold breeze with no strong wind blows. Wet and damp.

I remember scenes from the Twilight series when we drove around Baguio, with the raindrops dripping on our windshield.

2. Horseback Riding

You have never been to Baguio City when you never experienced riding on a real horse, whether just for photo-ops or letting it walk.

I took my second horseback ride after more than a decade. My childhood riding experience was just for the sake of, experience. Riding the horse, taking a picture with it, and taking a short slow stride with the guide.

Last week, I managed to ride the horse on my own. Holding the ropes, patting the horse, and kicking it to run, without a guide. I am hoping inside that people would start riding horses in the near future, as a return to history. But it’s close to impossible.

This inspired me to take horseback riding lessons this summer.

With my sister Denisse ready to get it on!

 

3. Seeing the City from a Balcony

Many people climb to SM Baguio’s third level and view the city from a viewing deck. But only few see the city in a different way. It was life I am a Jack or a Rose in the Titanic viewing the vastness of the sea in front of me.

The scenery just amazed me. And told myself, who cannot be pride of a Baguio City so grown and developed.

4. Jogging around Teachers Camp

I also revisited and retraced my high school tracks in Teachers Camp, just a few meters away from our transient house. The camp is one of the few sites in Baguio that has not been touched by commercialism. I remember my high school days, walking midst the cold breeze from the competition venue to our barracks, to our rooms I mean.

Driving down the memory lane

 

I don’t care about ghosts, about white ladies in make-up, or any supernatural beings. Teachers Camp has not changed much. But I did something new in it: jogging around the camp one morning ala Manny Pacquiao. I don’t usually jog even in my home village, but Baguio City has inspired me to try it once.

A house at Teachers Camp. Makes you remember Tom Sawyer?

 

5. The Tribe

 

We cannot discount the fact that Baguio is originally owned by the tribes, mostly the Igorot minority. So whoever claims a land like SM must bear in mind that there is more to it than signing a land title.

I am a bit saddened when I saw Igorot costumes and headdresses offered to the public for picture taking. Then there was this life-sized “headless” Igorot statues for photo-op where people can put their heads over the body and — smize (credit to Tyra Banks).

Why do you have to do this? It’s just disrespectful.

Rice grains from the highlands

 

There was one museum (and it’s for free) some of our Igorot brothers have been promoting at the entrance of Mines View Park.

“Pasok po kayo sa Igorot museum, libre lang, walang bayad! (sic),” one shouted.

There was music playing so I followed it and went up to the second floor of the food shop. Inside were authentic tribal items ranging from furniture, souvenirs, necklaces, etc. One man, I’m sure he is one of the modern Igorot members, asked us to donate an amount if we wanted to take pictures. We did.

All I wanted was to take shots but something has drawn me to take home an Igorot precious item – a necklace they call a “lucky charm.” It’s worth a hundred pesos. And it’s a necklace of a wooden carving of a bird (an eagle, perhaps). I bought it and wore it around my neck.

I am not a believer of talismans or lucky charms. Only people an be lucky charms, kidding. But I wanted to take a tribal piece in my trip, to take a part of the Igorot back home.

What made me buy it?

I was trying to hold another necklace, a cheaper one, the non-verbals that make the salesman think you wanna buy it. But the Igorot salesman told me: “That is a common necklace. I advise you to take this (the eagle lucky charm) because it is authentic and cannot be found anywhere.”

I believed him, he looked sincere anyway, and bought the piece.

6. A Perfect Couple

Sharing my thoughts I typed on my phone when I saw them: “I just saw a perfect couple in Baguio. I am so thankful there are still couples as such left in the world. They are so cute.”

My definitions of a perfect couple?

- One, they physically match. If one is good-looking, the other must be to. If one is tall, the other must be too.

- Two, they may show their affection publicly but with control. It’s a public display of affection not a public feast for their affection.

- Third, they may not talk to each other but you can totally see the love vibe.

- Fourth, they both must have a good sense of fashion. I’m sorry, this definition probably explains why in my opinion, only few perfect couples are left. I’m sorry.

Baguio City has never failed me. Before climbing to the city, my sibs and I were starting to get engaged in Vampire Diaries. You know, the Philippines has to start making their own. The shooting location: Baguio City.

Finally, a place for my winter (almost) fashion.

 

Stress and creative juices make a perfect blend

Is it just me, or is there really a correlation between too much stress during midnight and an active mind? Forgive my usage of a very mathematical term, “correlation.” You will know why later on.

So yes, it has been three nights that I literally didn’t get sleep. Either I slept early in the morning, around 6 am and wake up after lunchtime, or never sleep at all, like this day.

But I wonder why my mind is changing whenever I am being nocturnal. I view the world differently and view people differently. Oops, I don’t want to become a vampire or a werewolf. But seriously, I suddenly asked my mom to buy me a Vampire Diaries series DVD, not because of the many good-looking characters and steamy scenes, but because of things I cannot explain.

Whenever I stay awake in the entire midnight ’til early morning, my mind works perfectly, in a creative fashion. I am more witty and yes, more humorous.

These are just some of my social media posts that got me moving these past few – sleepless – nights. Most are crazy-sounding.

“I knew I was right when I thought of dropping by Starbucks earlier and ordering a Grande-sized Mocha Frappuccino. And thanks to the barista for suggesting Grande-sized blended coffee, instead of my usual Tall-sized. Kung sino ka man, thank you. I shall visit the branch more often.

I’m wide awake.

Thanks Starbucks Philippines for keeping college students awake during their hell weeks!”

***

I have never done any Math academically since Econ 100.1 (a major subject) more than a year ago. I am doing it once again now for Food and Nutrition 1, a subject that is not even a major one.

Bakit ba ako nag-FN 1?! Sa mga may balak mag-FN 1, learn from us. It might be named “Food Trip” but it is deceiving. If you want a subject that does not require you to take down notes because everything is uploaded, take it. If you want a subject that does not have any exam, take it.

But if you want to get a good sleep and not to stay so late because of a GE subject, DON’T TAKE IT.

***

Hai(na)ku

Second semester
You are killing me softly
It’s end of the world.

***

“When your once childish high school friends talk about smoking, drinks, and having a sexy body, you know the world is changing.”

***

“The people left online on Facebook before office hours start are the LAST MEN STANDING. Congratulations! “

***

“After grad, I’m gonna take a break – to gain weight, remove eye bags and freshen up – so I’m ready 2 conquer the world. Take that, thesis!”

***

Yes, I think it somehow does have a correlation.

Beautiful in national costume

Few days before the grand finale, the Miss Universe 2012 contestants introduced their countries to the world through their national costume during the parade show held last December 15 (December 14 in the United States). The costume parade is a yearly tradition of the Miss Universe pageant. Now, it makes us think how many times should a country tell the world what it is with an annual parade. Well the girls always come up with something new every year. Some of the costumes are too ethnic and too representative of the country; others dwell on simplicity; and some are just uniquely fabulous.

I am listing 15 ladies who got my attention and awe during the national costume show. I don’t know but 15 is such a holy number in pageants. You would notice that my list is not influenced by the grand feathery costumes of the Latinas nor the tribal style of Africans. It’s completely veered towards beauty, style, and originality.

1. Brazil: Queen of the Jungle

It’s expected. Miss Brazil always wears a wonderful national costume every year, after all the country is home to colorful sequins, feathers, and fabrics. This year, Miss Brazil offers the audience the flora and fauna of the country with the cute little parrots perched on her shoulders. Plus, I love the way she shook her shoulders during her catwalk.

 

2. Chile: Sexy Napoleon

Miss Chile wore a national costume inspired by the founder of her country, a warrior perhaps. But her costume looks more European than Latin American. As the hosts commented, it’s Napoleon Bonaparte – sexy style!

 

3. China: The girl inspired by ceramic wares

Isn’t she like a beautiful ceramic ware painted with blue dyes? Her costume is very high fashion, from the head dress to the huge folds on her skirt.

4. Honduras: Las Vegas girl

Okay, Miss Honduras, with her white feathery head dress, bikini, and a mile-long background piece, looks like a performer in the Vegas strip. But why did she enter my list? It’s actually because of the story behind her costume. She is a sea goddess with the sea horse as the centerpiece of her scepter, the white colors, and the coral-inspired back piece. Perfect for a coastal country like Honduras.

 

5. Indonesia: The Garuda lady

Indonesia has such a fantastic, varied culture, not to forget the vastness of its natural wonders. Similar to the name of its football club and the name of one of its airlines, Miss Indonesia’s national costume is an eagle inspired by the Garuda, a large mythical bird that appears in Hindu and Buddhist culture, two of the largest religions in Indonesia.

 

6. Israel: Little Gold Riding Hood

Miss Israel landing on the list of best national costumes comes as surprise. The local organization in-charge of Miss Israel seems not to pay much attention to the parade of nations as the costumes of their representative during the previous years were flops. But this year, Miss Israel strikes us with her golden costume – simple yet elegant. It may not tell much of her country but the beauty covers it up.

 

7. Malaysia: The uninvited wedding guest

Miss Malaysia’s national costume is actually an ethnic dress injected with a twist. Isn’t it reminiscent of Maleficent from the Sleeping Beauty? It makes you imagine Miss Malaysia barging in a wedding ceremony saying, “Is the party over?” Then she walks down the aisle of sits down. She can also be someone who trespasses and asks aloud why she isn’t invited.

8. Netherlands: Walking Windmill

When Miss Netherlands went out to the stage, I was so sure she’ll be on my list. Fabulous and shining body piece, moving “windmills” as she walked, and the colors of the Dutch flag, one would surely say it’s Netherlands when she comes in.

 

9. Panama: Exotic beauty

Forgive me when I say I was not influenced by the feathers of Latinas. I actually was, but only for Miss Panama. Panama has been on the lists of best national costumes annually. This year, she’s still on it.

10. Peru: All Hail!

Now, we have another of those old school army shots. But this time, with Miss Peru, it’s the combination of military costumes and regal costumes. Absolutely amazing.

 

11. Spain: Gothic-inspired

I never thought Gothic culture ever reached Spain, did it? Oh well, Miss Spain’s national dress this year is teeming with red and black, my favorite color combination. It’s because it’s fierce, wild, and sexy. Perhaps the country grew tired of the Flamenco dresses each year and came out with something new. They succeeded.

12. Thailand: The evil within

Another combination of red and black. The subtitle above speaks for itself. ‘Nuff said.

13. Uruguay: Sunny Vegas girl

Another Vegas performer in Miss Uruguay. It’s one of the best national costumes in this best list. The costume exudes happiness, joy, and delight. Perfect for sunny Vegas.

 

14. USA: The Liberty

It’s the Status of Liberty moving! Miss USA Olivial Culpo nails it! There was technical problem though as the hosts said there’s going to be a surprise in the costume but as she walked the runway, there was not. Oh well, it’s still fab.

 

15. Venezuela: The Chocolate(y) Girl

All ready for the holidays as Miss Venezuela brought in holiday edition chocolates! It’s unique, very original, and looked good on her but it was barely a national costume and more of a personal costume. Miss Venezuela’s family owned a chocolate factory and the creators of the costume said it got inspiration from the chocolate factory. It failed at being national costume but rocked as Christmas dress. Better try one.