Hello France with Lady Noree

Embellished Clutch Bag by Paola Germar
Art Jewelry by PJ Valenciano

Our accessories made it to France thanks to fashion photographer Oana Celina. Also known as “Noree” she is a young photographer specializing in fashion portraiture and advertising photography. She works mainly in UK, France and Romania. Oana is a multi-talented individual who’s also a singer, a fashion model and a stylist. She is originally from Arad, Romania, who now lives in Tours, France.

Photo from Lady Noree's Website

We got to know of Noree through the Fashion Bloggers group page in Facebook. It turns out that she also has a blog of her own, named Lady Noree’s blog. In her blog, she talks about fashion, travel, and she even does giveaways for her readers!

Art Jewelry Sketch of Red and Black Cherry Blossoms

Photo from Lady Noree's Website

So check out her blog, Facebook page, and website and followLady Noree if you’re into fashion, photography and music.

Jewelry and Bags at PALAMUTISHOP.COM

Keeping it real.- PJV

Cruising in London

I am so lucky to have friends like Zoe, who gets to travel as part of her profession. Another perk of the job is that she gets to add fun to her traveling adventures with a bit of fashion styling. I have always known Zoe to have a love for theater and fashion, so it was no surprise for me that she also enjoys styling herself and her friends as well, with her travel destinations as her impromptu backdrops. Here are some photos of Zoe's friend wearing our Pinangga hand-beaded embroidered scarves, as they cruise along London. These were shot during the last weeks prior to Spring in London. 

All neutrals with the Pinangga Scarf as the main accessory. 

Adding a beret hat to the ensemble.  

With Buckingham Palace as the backdrop to Zoe's stylish travel companion. 

Two looks. Can you spot the difference? :) 

It's great to see how our handmade products reach international destinations. It's as though I get to experience your travel destinations with you. I may not be there, but with our pieces, such as the Pinangga scarves, I am able to take in and share in the wonderful place that is London. Pinangga Bead Embroidery Scarves will soon be available at PALAMUTISHOP.COM

Photos and Styling by Zoe Alabanza
Email: zaveracruz@gmail.com
Keeping it real. -PJV

GustoKo- Celebrating Filipino Artistry in Lisbon, Portugal

GustoKo is a Philippine store located in Lisbon, Portugal at the Rua da Escola Politecnica which specializes in offering world-class Philippine handcrafted fashion and accessories. Eponymously named after the Filipino phrase “I want”, GustoKo is owned and managed by Paula Mansilla-Figueras, a Filipina based in Portugal, who travels annually to the Philippines to seek elegantly made artisan collections to share the Portuguese market.

As a Filipino, she knows that art is a way of life for many of her countrymen. From indigenous tribes, cooperatives, and individual artists; Filipinos have been weaving, sculpting, carving, and crafting long before Spanish explorers discovered the South East Asian archipelago with more than seven thousand islands. 

The beauty and brains behind GustoKo, Paula Mansilla-Figueras.

With at least 13 indigenous languages spoken by more than 90 million inhabitants, it can be said that Filipinos are not just multilingual; they are nation composed of multiple and varying cultures. For a nation that’s pretty much in the middle of the ocean, the Philippines has been influenced by foreigners ranging from Chinese merchants, migrating kingdoms, European explorers, and modern industrialized nations for millennia. 

Black Widow Art Jewelry by PJ Valenciano on display at GustoKo Store in Lisbon, Portugal. 

With this viewpoint, one can arguably state the Philippines is one of Asia’s first truly global melting pots.  GustoKo aims to promote, uplift, and celebrate the craftsmanship, resourcefulness and creativity of the Filipinos; as well as the richness of its unique culture.  The handcrafted products, meticulously selected by Paula in her many travels to different parts of the Philippines, show the different experiences of each artisan.  

For people who are enticed by the elegance of Philippine indigenous and local materials, GustoKo’s handcrafted items are an ideal present for any occasion.

Photos by GustoKo

Address: Rua da Escola Politecnica 42, 1250-102 Lisbon, Portugal

Hours: (Monday to Sunday) 12:00-8:00 pm

GustoKo

Shop GustoKo Products 

Keeping real.- PJV

Mag-Balikbayan

“Balikbayan” is the Filipino term for “those who have returned to the country”. It is endearingly used for Filipino migrants or expatriates, who have left the country and have since returned (for a visit or to settle down for good) to the land of the Filipinos.

Balikbayan magazine is a bi-monthly travel and lifestyle magazine, which honors the sublime Philippine trait of being a gracious host to all its visitors. The magazine celebrates the spirit of adventure and transcendent experience of merging one’s soul with this vibrant nation, by presenting meaningful slivers of what it means to be Filipino. If you’re planning to visit, you can’t go without your very own copy. Enhance the international experience to the fullest as well as getting an in-depth look at what makes the country tick from within. From beautiful island destinations, food, music, fashion, and entertainment, Balikbayan Magazine is your personal tour guide.

Balikbayan is complemented with an online edition through http://www.balikbayanmagazine.com/.

Keeping it real.- PJV

Holiday Fashion Wanderlust

Holiday Fashion Wanderlust by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Palamuti Rariza Statement Necklace 

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experience for a person. The journey that takes place shapes you in many ways. Whether you plan on escaping the winter season to a tropical paradise or visiting your family for the holidays, travel in style and create fond memories with your loved ones or strangers you connect with along the way.

Bring your best self to the table and if it means packing your best ensemble for the adventure do so. Always remember, among anything else, choose outfits that will fit your itinerary and destination, so refrain from pack cramming. Allot a space for mementos and souvenirs which you pick up along the way to add to your travel treasure chest.

Palamuti Rariza Statement Necklace by Marites Dulce 

Travel with your essentials and basic staples, which you can pair with the rest of your  clothes; and for your date night outs pack a dress with a matching handmade fashion jewellery.

EVENING FASHION 

MYSTERY IN COLD NIGHTS 

Akri Punto Ski Lift Print Turtleneck 

Paolo Ericco Wool Dress

Women's Kamilikkulture Turtleneck

BOHEMIAN NIGHT OUT FASHION 

TROPICAL PARADISE 

Free People Hera Maxi Dress 

M Missoni Maxi Polyamide Blend Dress

Alexia Ulibarri Black Lace and Printed Chiffon Maxi Dress 

OUR HANDMADE FASHION PICK 

Palamuti Rariza by Marites Dulce Statement Necklace

Add interesting conversation pieces to your ensemble especially for your travel night outs. Our latest pick is a handmade bead embroidery necklace made by Marites Dulce, our women artisan from Bicol, Philippines. 

Keeping it real.-PJV