The Artist's Den by Paola Germar, Rated PG

When people remember an event, our mind utilises our memory  to fill in the gaps, by using preconceived thoughts about what we know . My bags are pieces of fun memories ,a bit jumbled and vague. They are inspired by snips of details in events in my life that I like to reminisce about.

I like creating things which make one's imagination work. My creations can be interpreted in different ways by different people, depending on what they have experienced. By using precious stones, wood and glass, I try to mimic the sharpness , strength, intensity and vividness of dreams through their assortment of colors, textures and arrangements. Hopefully, my pieces can trigger everyone's imagination and bring back fun and happy memories to people who see them.

       ABOUT THE ARTIST

 “I paint a lot and design things a lot , and ever since, I’ve always wanted to have my own brand called RATED PG or rated Paola Germar . The name came to me when I realized my initials were always on TV, and they always announced programs that are “Rated PG” , so I thought that would be free promotion for my brand , every time people hear it, they would remember my stuff. I like making everyday things look like art, or transform them so that they could be hung in galleries as artwork. I like to make everything pretty and try to make everyone smile . " - Paola Germar

As a major in Fine Arts and Painting, Paola Germar utilized her knowledge of the visual arts to create her brand of edgy handmade products. Also as a graduate of dress making and knitting, she has a command of using different mediums and materials, which she uses to enhance her creations. She came up with her brand name, Rated PG, after the “Parental Guidance” tag that’s attached to rate certain television shows, because it struck her that her initials were always mentioned on TV! As an artist, she is a combination of wide-eyed youthful perspective and quirky ideas. It is her hope that as she shares her memories and experiences with you through art, she’s simply trying to make you smile.

Style & Sensibilities by Kim Basa, Amaya Accents

Beauty and grace are traits that are innate to every woman. How one carries herself radiates one's individuality. A woman's choice of clothes, shoes, and accessories speaks volumes about her personality, and also strongly conveys her uniqueness from others. 

My personal aesthetics lean towards classic, minimalist and bold.I stick to this baseline when trying to cross elements of design when I feel like experimenting. However, there is one definite fashion statement that will not be missed out: the statement necklace! I believe and feel that wearing something different and unique can spruce up my ensemble

I think it goes with the fact that I used to be shy and timid, It took me a lot of guts to wear something so bold during the first time. Yet I felt strongly about wearing something connected to my personality, so I went for it. Ss I found my way out of my shell, I started to gain confidence to uncloak a new version of me; a new and improved version.

When my friends and I plan a gathering, we think of a theme of what everyone gets to wear. For October, which is my birthday month, we chose black themed attire accompanied by a statement necklace. Since it's going to be a dinner with other friends celebrating my birthday, a statement necklace was included as part of the theme, because it's something that speaks about me. In preparation, I considered having a customised piece, which I designed myself.  I chose a flower design with  a touch of red to break the black and white combination. I loved how this complemented my black and white outfit. You see, the look that I was able to create was about me, myself and I. I purposely didn't try to imitate a style icon, as I believe that it will go against who I am. 

In essence,personal style, for me, is being myself. I believe I can never go wrong with that. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST-ENTREPRENEUR  

Kim started Amaya due to her fondness in accessorizing with the use of uniquely handcrafted necklaces.  It started when she got pregnant with her second child, a girl, who she wanted to share her affinity and passion for dressing up. Encouraged by the thought of realizing a dream, she named her brand of unique handmade accessories after her daughter, Amaya. As she continues to pursuing this vision of providing unique handcrafted accessories to moms like her, who share the same love for handmade accessories, she’s thankful that she found the wisdom and inspiration, despite the many challenges facing entrepreneurs and artists, through one significant life event --- being a mother to a daughter named Amaya.

What we love most with Amaya Accents' handmade pieces is the simple functionality of the design. If you are the type who's looking for classic, casual wearable pieces, we recommend Amaya's Daily Wear Necklaces. Drop by and show your support for Filipino Independent Artists at the American Bead Shows this coming October 25-26 in Louisville, Kentucky.

the Vinta: Filipina Heritage

The vinta is a traditional boat found in Mindanao.  To the locals, it is also known as lepa-lepa or sakayan. These boats are made by the Badjaos and Moros living in the Sulu Archipelago.  A typical vinta is characterized by its sail, the design of which comprises of assorted vertical colors which represent the colorful culture and history of the Muslim community who makes and uses them. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods and can be found easiest in Zamboanga City.  

The vinta is also the inspiration behind the latest wearable art piece from local artisan PJ Valenciano.  While browsing through the internet, she came across a photo of a dark man inside a boat, with corals and huge conch shells on the floor of the craft surrounding him.  It was, however the colorful geometric patterns on the sail of the boat, a vinta, that she found most striking.  What sets this piece apart from other bib necklaces that have saturated the market today is the craftsmanship behind it and, most importantly, the distinctly Filipino look and feel that it exudes.  One glance and you can definitely see the resemblance to the Muslim vinta!

Vinta-inspired necklace for any occasion

This work of art was made with the features of the Filipina in mind.  Rich and opulent without overpowering, the Vinta-inspired necklace re-interpets our local heritage and translates it into the new millennium.  The play of colors, from citrusy lemon, mandarin, lime, and apricot, to cooler greens and purples is balanced enough that you can wear it regardless of time of day or season or even the wearer's skin tone.  And the piece itself, though more eye-catching and hefty than the usual chain necklace, is versatile enough to be worn with a white shirt on a simple lunch out with friends, or with a white gown on your special wedding day.

The Vinta-inspired necklace from Palamuti is truly a must-have this season, and for the years to come.  After all, showing off your heritage is never passe.  Given the intricate details of the piece (which took three days to make) and the artisan's philosophy on creating only one piece per design, I'd get my hands on one as soon as I could if I were you ;)  Contact PJ Valenciano for customized versions of this featured piece or to visit her showroom.

Also, watch out for more wearable art pieces inspired by the colorful and lively patterns unique in Philippine cultural artifacts!

a taste for tribal

A few days ago, we talked a little bit about the Tribal trend that is sweeping THE WORLD! I don't want to oversaturate you with all this gushing, but the ethnic/tribal trend is really one of my favorites.  In the last few years, it has been getting stronger and stronger, particularly during the warmer seasons, and it looks like it has no plan of stopping!

Another great thing about this trend, apart from the beautiful colors and bold and intricate patterns, and the boost it gives to tribal communities, is that it is so easy to incorporate them into ANY wardrobe. seriously!

There are so many versions out there to suit your needs.  If you're a simple gal, you can go with a big statement piece, or something with subtler tribal hints to dress up your minimalist wardrobe.  In fact, this makes the look stronger and really helps the ethnicity of the piece shine through!

You can also go the "traditional" tribal route, which means layering the prints and colors.  For the longest time, we've always been hesitant to use more than one print in an outfit.  But whenever you see the Ifugaos up in the mountains, or even the Badjaos who are playing on the streets in modern clothes styled according to their taste, the explosion of color is always a pleasant surprise.

Girly? Rocker? Serious, no-frills type?  There's a tribal girl in you, roaring to be unleashed. Roaring, get it? eh, oh well!  The joke may be the lame, but the trend is far from it.  Enjoy!  And watch out for the upcoming Gameng ni Maria collection for summer! it's gonna be H-O-T!!!!

The very first piece from Palamuti's Summer 2011 Collection

Going Tribal

It's official. Tribal is IN again! Hmm, was it ever even out? Unlike gladiator shoes and colored skinny jeans, we can never have too much of the ethnic.  Why is that? Well, perhaps it's because going tribal is simply like returning to our roots.  In other countries, their national costumes are worn everyday.  they have slightly more practical versions of it, yes, but it's still unique to their culture.  Tribal is such a good thing that the Western countries are even adopting this and incorporating it into their dress.

Here in the Philippines, there is an abundant and very diverse selection of fabrics and traditional clothing from all over the provinces.  Our way of dressing is very Western because of the influence of the nations which have colonized us, but as the clamor for a truly Filipino culture grows louder and stronger, so does that for authentic Filipino wares.

What does it mean, to be Filipino? and what does it take for something to receive this kind of label? That might take more blog posts than can be read.  I urge you to consider these questions because these are significant to our cultural recovery.

Going back, of course, just because something is on trend doesn't mean you have to jump on the bandwagon--it only means you have more options!! See, although the above necklaces were manufactured by big fashion houses, even practical Filipinas can proudly wear their own.

Palamuti Gameng ni Maria

Palamuti's PJ Valenciano has come up with yet another collection of delightful statement neckpieces--this time made all the more wonderful by the use of Abel Iloko, a fabric we can proudly call our own.  By going tribal, we are able to not just look good and help support a cherished but endangered industry, we also come closer to developing our sense of Filipino-ness.

So go ahead and unleash the true Filipina in you!  You'll love her!