Occasions of Joy

Joy wears Tanya Cordero, El Nido Likha, Rose Necklace over a black top. 

Joining bazaars has given us the opportunity to meet new people- from new customers, fellow artist-entreprenuers and bloggers. Joy Mendiola is the woman behind the blog "Occasions ofJoy". It was in 2012 when we joined the Global Pinoy Bazaar, a yearly bazaar organized by Yabang Pinoy, that promotes and cultivates a "community of entrepreneurs and consumers that value Filipino craftsmanship and culture." 

I shared the booth then with a fellow handmade brand, PiTaka , which was the brainchild of Ana Janer Locsin. It was our second time to join the yearly bazaar and I remember having the best moments and memories when I first joined. We met new friends and this second round was not a disappointment as well for it was when we met Joy. 

 

Joy is wearing our Willow Necklace when she covered the Property Brother's Event. 

Mother's Day Outfit by Joy. She's wearing Steph Lopez's Teardrop Necklace .

Joy featured us in 2012 on her blog,Occasions of Joy. It was not until recently, during the first quarter of this year, that we have reconnected over a cup of coffee at one of my favorite places in the Metro, Coffee Bean in Shangri-La. I asked her to help us to promote our revamped website, which features not only our works, but the creations of other Filipino women artisans.  Our meeting was like catching up among two old friends who haven't seen each other for a while, and Joy has been very supportive of Palamuti and our other artists ever since. Last February, Novie and I with Stephanie Lopez gave a workshop along with others on Occasions of Joys 5th anniversary. Paola Germar provided gift cards for the kids while Kim Basa sponsored giveaways for the volunteers, teachers and principals. 

She's definitely a fan of Steph Lopez's wire art necklace and this mom is rockin' it! 

Joy has be wearing our handmade pieces and continue to do so. Today is her 42nd birthday and this super woman deserves a shout out from us for bringing joy not only to her family but as well as to those people around her. 

Photos by Occasions of Joy

Keeping it real. -PJV

Rated Paola X Nikki Ocean

"Whenever you meet someone new, information flows in both directions. You become acquainted with someone who has a talent or a skill you can use sometime in the future. But that individual also becomes acquianted with you and your skills. Somewhere down the line, without your knowledge and without having to do anything at all, that person will say, "I know someone who..." and you'll be that someone! By being "out there" minute-by-minute you are positioning yourself to take advantage of the opportunities that come along. Do the right thing for those in your network whenever you can and good things will come back."- Bryan Thayer, The One Minute Networker 

Apart from being a visual artist, Nikki Ocean is a budding make- up artist. Her love for painting makes it natural for her to use faces as her canvass. 

Rated Paola artisan bags have found a home at PALAMUTISHOP.COM 

I am an introvert by nature, but I do love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I remember people who have crossed over my invisible introvert wall and have shared their stories, which I keep in my "library" of treasured individuals. I've known these two girls when they were still just students at University of the Philippines, Fine Arts. I met Nikki through one of our surf trips. Paola was Nikki's batch mate and I was introduced to her during an art exhibit in SM Megamall, Philippines. Both are promising artists, with both of them starting to establish a name for themselves in their respective niche of the art world.

She's a mermaid! Nikki Ocean is the ultimate boho woman, who looks towards inspiring others through art and fashion. 

Nikki and I hang out a lot despite our age difference. I love the fact that she has the maturity to connect with older people. I have fun during photo shoots with her. She's my first choice as makeup artist for our models. As mentioned, we've been on surf trips together, and during those times, we have formed a bond despite of years of not even physically seeing her. There are just some people who never really "forget" each other. At some point, we nearly started an enterprise showcasing clothes, bikinis, bags and jewelry made by other independent Filipino brands. Though this concept never fully materialized, in retrospect, I've always kept a mental "file" that she's a keeper and that in the future, she's a person that I would love to work with.

Rated Paola poses with her Art Cans under Tin-Aw Gallery at the recent Art Fair Philippines 2015. 

As for Paola, I never got a chance to intimately talk to her when we fist met. However, even then, she exudes an aura that speaks "fashion and art", which intrigued me. When she was introduced to me (by Nikki), I was told that she sews her own clothes, and that she had an affinity for collecting bags. This trait stemmed from her grandma, who passed it down to her mom, and then to her. She was the "quiet type", but she smiles a lot and was engaging, despite being an introvert.

Nikki Ocean was also part of the Art Fair Philippines 2015 under Finale Gallery. She paints with her talent and her heart. 

As they found paths and dreams to follow, I never forgot about these two talented girls. Thanks to technology and social networking sites, I'm still updated with what they were up to. When I was able to put up my website, I immediately sought out Nikki and Paola. I wanted these two artists to be part of our website's vision through a series of collaborations. We are currently in the process of creating a market for their brand of art and fashion. This goes to show that business and relationships is not just a matter of "what's in it for us", but how you can address the needs and goals of others too. Based on experience, I've found that it's more advantageous for both parties to collaborate, especially if you have a common goal. Doing business is not just about profitability, but sharing with others. With all our efforts and strengths put together, we are covering ground towards creating our own market for fashion and art.

Fash-On Art Cans! Rated Paola shows off her love for fashion in her art. 

Paola offers us her talent in designing art bags, which I know nothing about, but something that I've always wanted to have on our website. Nikki inspires us with her work ethic and sincerity in supporting other independent artists. These are two girls with different styles, motivated to make a name for themselves, while keeping grounded and connecting with others through their craft. 

Our Style Advocate, Nikki Ocean will be conducting an arts and crafts workshop at Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Hotel in La Union, Philippines this February 28 & March 1. Cap off the Art's Month with a sand-and-sunset vacation bonus!

I was watching Behind The Brand interview with Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) hosted by Brian Elliot. His story is very inspiring: working his way up, starting from nothing. Here are the things I've learned from his story: 

1. Find the drive and motivation 
2. Network with people who can help you achieve your goals 
3. Practice the art of giving with sincerity 
4. Work with people who are aligned with your goals 
5. Lead a purpose driven enterprise 
6. Continue to learn despite success 

Visual Artist Paolizabeth Germanium, the artist designer behind Rated Paola Germar Bags, will be having a Solo Exhibit entitled "Pay Per Doll" at  Kaida Contemporary from March 8 to March 22. Let us celebrate Fashion x Art, the Rated PG way. 

Opportunities are always in abundance. But doubt, fear and pride, limits us to immediate gratification and success, which fosters a deadly illusion of what we have and should have. People are ready to help you achieve your goals, as long as you show them how much you are willing to work for it, even if it means starting from a hole in the ground. When you remove the mindset of being privileged, or the prideful attitude of "I know about this already", that's when the doors truly start to open. Today, Nikki Ocean is a Palamuti Style Advocate and Rated Paola is a Palamuti Featured Artist. They are my partners, not just in business, but partners in a community of people driven by goals and purpose. Who would have thought? :) 

Fashion Inspiration: Style Icons 

Two Different Worlds by palamuti-storytelling-jewels

Keeping it real.- PJV 

One Day At A Time

Last February 20, 2015, we joined Joy Mendiola in celebrating Occasions of Joy through an outreach program with children ages 12 years old. Novie assisted Steph Lopez, our Featured Artist in a Fashion Jewelry Art Workshop. Read the full blog at Occasions of Joy.

I view Novie as a personification of what Palamuti is all about. More than designing and selling jewellery, I founded this business on the basis of providing opportunities, and more importantly empowering women. She is a representation of what Palamuti is: creating with our hands, exploring forms of art and most importantly being an enterprise with a cause. I have retold Novie's story to so many other people; our clients and trainees alike. Change is inevitable, and the only thing you can truly do is to try and become a better person. With this simple goal, Novie and I have come a long way.

We want Novie to maximize her potential so we encourage her to interact with other artists as well. Novie observes Steph Lopez of Flow creating wire-art jewelry. 

I taught Novie everything that I've learned about creating handmade "art-fashion" costume jewelry. I make it a point to bring her to my meetings with clients. We want her to learn more about the world and how diverse it truly is, and to expose her to different people, with varying ideas. My reasoning is if she wants to grow as a person, coming from a rural poor community may be viewed as a start from a disadvantageous position, but it is definitely not an excuse to trying to become a better human being in general.

Oftentimes, it is human nature to defer to the mindset of "playing the victim". With poverty becoming a natural environment, having a hopeless outlook in life easily manifests itself to reality. A person's mindset is difficult to change, especially if it becomes ingrained through establishing society. I have always believed that one should be happy with the work they choose. Of course, we cannot negate the need for money needed to address basic needs, but self actualization should not become a sort of "luxury commodity". We should always remember that we did not play a part in where we began, but we definitely have a role in where we are going.

Novie learns a crash course in Adobe Premierre with Cherry Cular, the designer for our Kaanyag Bags. 

In university, I learned about Karl Marx's theory of alienation. He states that one type of alienation is the way a person views his or her relationship, or connectedness, to the type of work they do. In a capitalist society, it's so easy to feel treated as instruments of cost efficiency and profit, specially when we speak strictly in terms of numbers and figures. Something in which you poured your heart and soul into, can always be boiled down to a number in a graph.

What we try to accomplish in establishing Palamuti is to have a place for artisans to become connected to their work, rather than solely being a means for financial gain. I've seen friends, colleagues and loved ones who are so unhappy,  turning to fill a void through material things that they've attained. (Or even sadder, failed to attain.)

"Let us suppose that we had carried out production as human beings. Each of us would have, in two ways, affirmed himself, and the other person. (1) In my production I would have objectified my individuality, its specific character, and, therefore, enjoyed not only an individual manifestation of my life during the activity, but also, when looking at the object, I would have the individual pleasure of knowing my personality to be objective, visible to the senses, and, hence, a power beyond all doubt. (2) In your enjoyment, or use, of my product I would have the direct enjoyment both of being conscious of having satisfied a human need by my work, that is, of having objectified man’s essential nature, and of having thus created an object corresponding to the need of another man’s essential nature... Our products would be so many mirrors in which we saw reflected our essential nature.^[1]" 

^{- Karl Marx} 

Who Novie is today is a far cry from the very timid girl I met five years ago. I saw her potential back then, and her desire to become a better person has allowed her to grow. She was hesitant to be my apprentice in jewelry making, as she claims she was not artistic enough to create wearable art pieces. But we instilled in her a belief that with sincere work, she'll be able to learn to open her mind to the world of creativity and imagination. The most important reason for this was she knew, in her heart and mind, that for whatever dreams she may pursue, she would never forget her roots and that her gains will always come from a desire to help others and not to pull anyone down.

Teacher Nikki teaches Novie basic drawing to give her confidence in fashion illustration. We hope we can send Novie to take more classes with Nikki In the future.  

We have seen our share of peaks and valleys, and she's been with me all the way.  Novie is now a teacher, a designer and most importantly an empowered young woman. I couldn't be more proud of her. I am proud that she sees herself more than just as a mere beader, who's my employee, but a family member bonded to me by love for art, hope, beauty; and more importantly, one who treats work as an investment towards individuality.

Teacher Kerin is Novie's former English Tutor. teacher Kerin shows her support for Palamuti by being one of our Style Advocates. 

P.S. You can show your support for Novie by purchasing her collection on our website.  Share this opportunity to help others to your family, friends and loved ones! Let's work together to empower women through art, hope, beauty and change! 

Your Fashion Style Mood Board 

Beauty Amidst Delirium by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Balasang Jewelry by Novie Katimpo. 

Keeping in real. - PJV

A Not so Ordinary Bridesmaid

I made this mood board to show how one can play around their bridesmaid gowns. The chiffon dresses are from Weddington's. I then added costume jewelry and artisan clutches to complete the look. 

Tell Your Story by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Weddington Chiffon Bridesmaid Gowns

For myself, the most enjoyable part of a wedding is the moment when the bridal entourage first walks down the aisle. This moment triggers and builds anticipation towards the highlight of the entire occasion, which is seeing the beautiful bride enter the church. I have seen plenty of my girlfriends walk down the aisle, and I have been part of some of their entourages as well. 

My sister loved this pair! Who wouldn't? So I was thinking, maybe I  can add these as accessories to a "Goth Inspired" or "Black & White" themed wedding. 

For whatever opinions you may have on marriage, a wedding is a chance to take a peek at a couple's personality. Whether they prefer an intimate or large wedding,  the event should be about the couple, and the purpose of everything that goes into the occasion should reflect that. Some opt for a traditional affair, while others like a twist that's truly their own. Themed weddings are the best for me, because they add a bit of drama and fun! It's quite an experience to see people scramble about to make sure that every detail is perfect, even though it won't. Because marriage, much like a wedding, is about trying even though things don't always go according to plan. This particular day is symbolic for a commitment to celebrating love with people who matter most. 

In the Philippines, where there is no shortage of talented and creative designers, it is common to have gowns custom made. The rise of bridal fairs and expos attests to a growing market for "anything to do with" weddings. It's a very profitable business, with soon-to-weds  setting aside a chunk of their income for their dream wedding. 

Green is in! They say for the Year of the Sheep, green is the lucky color. 

Palamuti specializes in designing customized jewelry for the bridal entourage. I love clients who love exploring different possibilities. Sometimes it can get very difficult to visualize how one can pair handmade pieces to a formal gown; but all it takes is a bit of creativity, imagination and style. So whenever I get commissioned to make jewelry for weddings, I always ask for the gown designs, since the type of costume jewelry should blend and connect with how the bride looks. Part of the process of designing customized jewelry is tailoring the personality of the bridesmaids and secondary sponsors to their pieces. I even ask for their pictures, because as they say, images are worth a thousand words. Their photos help me in determining their personal style. Being fashionable is one thing, but being comfortable while doing so is another matter entirely. 

Ending the blogpost with a Cinderella moment photo by my good friend Zoe! Though she wasn't a bridesmaid, she gave her ensemble a handmade twist pairing our Rose Glass Necklace & Paola Germar's Art Clutch. 

Keeping it real. - PJV