Humanity in Print

I just couldn't miss this chance to write about this new collection.  This season, Freeway launched the National Artist Collectors’ Series Fall 2011 Collection featuring the works of the living legend, National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José.   This line previously highlighted the creations of National artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design). 

It was Literature classes in college that I got acquainted with the masterpieces of these literary legends - Nick Joaquin, Jose Garcia Villa and F. Sionil Jose.  Sure I have this huge crush on my Lit professor who happens to like guys also (oh, yes!). But it's good thing, since he got me hooked  on reading.  I was always ready for his class, making sure I've mastered all advance reading assignments and I was literally munching on books for breakfast.  I wonder how Mr. ***** is? I really, really like that guy - such a clever and brilliant creature.  Oh, by the way, Nick Joaquin, Ang Kiukok and F. Sionil Jose all hailed from UST. Go UST-e! 

This collection will interpret Jose's masterpieces in graphic tees, boyfriend shirts, woven tops, dresses and accessories. I need to snatch a dress or two maybe - must go home now (hihihi). The idea of fusion - Filipino literature meets current fashion, is simply exceptional.  

Here are the works of National Artists Nick Joaquin, Ang Kiukok, Jose Garcia Villa and Ramon Villa from the previous collection.

Some snaps of the Freeway NACS launch held last May 31st at Greenbelt 5.

National Artist F. Sionil Jose (Literature)

 Lisa Macuja - Elizalde hosting the launch

 Cherie Gil reciting excerpts from Jose's work

Lourd de Veyra delivering a composition of Jose

"I am 85 and how I despair over how three generations of our leaders failed! Before I go, please let me see this unhappy country begin to be a much better place than the garbage dump our leaders and people have made it. You can be this long awaited messiah but only if you are brave enough and wise enough to redeem your father’s aborted promise."

                                                                                - F. Sionil Jose                                
                                                                                Hindsight - An open letter to Noynoy Aquino
                                                                                The Philippine Star, 23 May 2010


Photos taken from:
freeway.net.ph
chuvaness.com

Fairy tales do come true.

Never underestimate a child's fantasy.  It is rather possible to turn it to reality these days.  When we were young we used to dream of being a superhero dying to save the world, a villain acting on revenge or a princess who's waiting for her prince to come. Playing pretend helps kids exercise their imagination in order to learn.  The simple villain and hero rivalry brings into the child's consciousness that there are rules to follow, hence there is good and evil in this world.  I think it would be a mistake to discourage kids to build castles in the air since it would play a great role in early education.

Last Thursday, our friend Heart gave us the opportunity to step into a child's fantasy and impersonate someone that will help materialize a dream.  Now I can say for once in my life I was a Princess, and I think most kids believed it (hahaha! chos).  Parties nowadays are I can say more vividly demonstrative in creating that wonderland inside a child's mind - mascots, princesses, huge candies, balloons, food, cake, decorations, shows, etc (name it and it's surely achievable).  The stint we did is for a 2 year old kid's party and boy did someone spent lavishly to set up this masterpiece.  I was in awe when I checked out every detail that was put to use for that party.  

It was  very exciting for me since I'm going to throw a bash for Kaya when I go home for vacation on her birthday this September. I've already reserved the venue and made deals with suppliers.  I wanted to give her the best party because it's been a while since she celebrated her birthday with me on her side.  As a frustrated party organizer, I paid attention to even the littlest specifics just to make sure everything is in harmony.  I had so much fun planning and preparing everything with my friends.  Oh, I can't wait to party with Kaya Jamaica, a few more months anak, a few more months to go.

Thank you Heart for this opportunity. We truly got a kick out of the experience.  

The Princesses at play

That kid was really enjoying the attention

Serious and playful

The venue (Godolphin Ballroom, Emirates Towers)

Heart in a photo of the celebrant's name - HAMDAN

Thank you LORD for desserts!

Dessert for kiddos

Food, food and more food

A buffet of salads

Rona as Ariel of the Little Mermaid minus the tail fin

Chat as Snow White minus the 7 dwarfs 

Heart as Cinderella minus the evil stepsisters

Rach as Aurora of the Sleeping Beauty minus the sleep

Me in an over-sized gown as Belle of Beauty and the Beast minus the beast

Rona and Chat, I mean Ariel and Snow White

Princesses welcoming guests by the venue entrance

Princesses with Ate Glenda

The MASCOTS

Everyone's favorite Barney is actually my friend Jacqueline in her first mascot appearance (LOL)!

Princesses no more, this is when the "real fun" started

Carb Overload?

Eating time!!!

Rona, Jacqueline, Rach and me

Me and Rach devouring every dessert in sight

It's fun to eat after everyone has eaten because we got to have the whole buffet to ourselves! YEY!

Oh yes, that's me scrutinizing every detail used in the Kid's buffet, bringing home ideas for Kaya's party of course

Here's a music video of "If you can dream" featuring various Disney princesses.  Lea Salonga singing for Jasmine and Mulan. (Fantasy land mode muna tayo okiesh?) :)

All photos taken by Jacqueline Jimenez and Heart Recinto