Bantay Bata raises 30K -- "(In) One Night Only!"

KUDOS TO OUR GENEROUS KABABAYANS!

A load of thanks to the wonderful people who attended last Saturday’s (April 21^st) gathering in honor of ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, founder of Bantay Bata. The reception was held at the Marriott Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles on Figueroa St.

I feel very humbled by the generosity of our kababayans who made pledges to support Bantay Bata’s Children’s Village located in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The Children’s Village is a transitional shelter for Filipino kids who have been rescued and placed in the village because of exigent circumstances.

Gina conducted a riveting presentation on Bantay Bata since its inception 10 years ago. I was gripped by the images of the children and their before and after stories. To learn more, please go to www.abscbnfoundation.org.

ABS-CBN Foundation consultant Robbie Fabian, who arranged the April 21^st reception, had a vision to raise at least 30K before the night was over. And you know what, we did reach this goal!

I congratulate all those who came for stepping up and donating. For those who still want to, it’s not too late. You may email jrobbiefabian@sbcglobal.net to find out how you can help.

I just want to emphasize that donors don’t have the cough up their pledges right away. You have until December 2007 to fulfill your pledge.

Again, I thank all the donors from last Saturday. Here’s hoping we have many more out there… PHOTOS BY TED TALAG

(Click to enlarge any image)

The Look Of Love

HASSLE-FREE WEDDING DAY MAKEOVERS

Let’s face it, getting ready for your wedding day or any special occasion is stressful.

Take it from me, I have coordinated many weddings from start to finish (sadly, not my own…yet!).

There are many elements that go into preparing for a special occasion but the one useful advice I can give to all the brides out there is…pick the right stylist who will make you shine on your wedding day.

This is so crucial because you will be looking at your photos from this day for the rest of your life, even your grandchildren will be looking at them.

So I think it’s important to get the stylist that you have good rapport with, whom you can communicate with openly about what you want, and someone who has the necessary expertise to achieve your desired look and more.

Now most stylists with such versatility usually cost more than others out there…pero you have to understand that such stylists will be worth every penny. Huwag naman sana nating tipirin ang aspetong ito.

If you want to save on your stylist, then you have to be prepared to get what you paid for. Nasa huli palagi ang pagsisisi.

As a stylist and salon chain owner for many years now, I can say that one of my strong points is bride makeovers.

I’ve done so many weddings that I’ve developed a contingency for any sort of makeover emergency there is.

Monet Salon and Reflections Salon are staffed with the most highly trained stylists – hairdressers and make-up artists who are continuously learning about new trends in the beauty industry. I make sure that we are current with the latest out there so that our clients naman are not stuck with outdated looks.

Each member of the Monet team has a certain forte. I have a team that specializes on the natural look. I have another team that can achieve the avant-garde look, and etcetera. So it’s all up to you. During consultation, I ask the bride for her preference and on her wedding day, she will get what she wished for.

Another convenience we offer is home or on-site service. You can come to our salons to have your make-up done but we also offer the convenience of coming to you to alleviate the stress of traveling.

As for the latest in make-up trends, I highly recommend The Velvet Spray Airbrush Make-up. This make-up technique is longer lasting, perfect for weddings.

Until recently, airbrush make-up was only used by professional film and television make-up artists to achieve long-lasting make-up that can withstand harsh and heavy studio lighting. Because you are going to be subjected to long pictorials on your wedding day, airbrush make-up is your best bet.

With aid of my state-of-the-art compressor, versatile action airbrush and hi-def kit, the Velvet Spray can be applied on any skin tone.

The beauty of The Velvet Spray is that it blends naturally with any skin color. As it’s sprayed on, the gentle foundation takes the color of your skin’s natural pigmentation. That’s why it looks so natural.

The Velvet Spray airbrush make-up creates a flawless pixilated coverage that can remain fresh throughout the day.

What I really love about The Velvet Spray is that when you’re done, your face matches the color of your neckline, hands and ears. You can’t achieve that with much success using ordinary make-up.

Besides seamless continuity, The Velvet Spray can also be used to contour and highlight any part of the face to add dimension.

The Velvet Spray also effectively conceals blemishes and it has the ability to uplift the face.

If you want to know more about this unique make-up technique or if you want to consult me for an upcoming wedding or special occasion, please call 213.216.4923 or email me at monet@monetsalon.com.

I welcome any questions and/or comments. Remember, if you are a Monet Salon bride, you are virtually stress-free…

Happy weekend!

*The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dreams of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.

Bringing Hope For The Children

PUBLISHED IN LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
April 14, 2007

BANTAY BATA 163 AND HOW WE CAN HELP

I dedicate this piece to the children. Most especially to the children rescued by Bantay Bata (Child Watch), an organization I’m wholeheartedly supporting.

I am very grateful that I am in the position to offer my assistance to this group. Until last month (March), the concept of Bantay Bata (under ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.) was intangible to me. I was made aware of their plight based on the footage I’ve seen on TFC and the documentaries about the children living at the Bantay Bata Children’s Village.

But all these images only came to life to me when I actually set foot on the village compound during my recent trip to the Philippines.

When I decided to pledge proceeds of my annual awards show Reflections to Bantay Bata 163 since 2005, I like to think that I understood the mission and goals of the organization. But after my visit to the Children’s Village, I’ve concluded that no one can fully grasp the realities of this project and what it aims to do unless you go there and see for yourself.

The Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan is a transitional shelter for kids who have been uprooted from their homes because of exigent circumstances.

The whole experience of visiting with the kids living at the Children’s Village brought out mixed emotions.
I felt a deep sense of joy seeing them for the first time because on the outset, they do seem happy. Nung binisita namin ang housing ng mga bata, nakaka-touch talaga na makarinig ng, “Kumusta po kayo sir?” na may kasamang ngiti sa kanilang mga labi.

I noticed that they are very affectionate children. They want to touch you. Natutuwa sila kapag may bisita. Walang masamang tao sa kanila. They welcome you with warmth.

Behind their smiles, I felt sadness. And that’s when sadness hit me as well. Because I realize why they are there. Each of them has their own story of hurt and abuse.

The Children’s Village is also home not only to abused, exploited and abandoned children but also for kids with congenital special needs.

The kids vary in age, from three months to 16 years. And they stay there for varied lengths of time, some longer than others.

While at the village, they undergo rehabilitation and most importantly, activities that children must experience, like learning/schooling, playing and praying.

The village also provides health care for the children. For some, it’s as simple as being treated for vitamin deficiency. Things that we normally take for granted because we have access to resources 24/7.

I couldn’t help but cry over what I saw there at the village. It was so cathartic that I had to write about it on this column. It was so deeply moving that I’m willing to forego my desire to acquire a new Louis Vuitton bag and just channel the money to the children.

I know most of us here in the U.S. are sometimes guilty of extravagant indulgences. Don’t get me wrong, we do deserve to pamper ourselves every now and then because we work so hard.

But as we enjoy our blessings, I hope we also think of the children.

To my kababayans, I invite you to join me and the Bantay Bata team better the lives of children whose chances of a normal and healthy childhood have been taken away from them.

I am extending this invitation to all of you on the occasion of the 10^th Anniversary of Bantay Bata this 2007. Because we are celebrating this milestone, I urge donors and those thinking of becoming donors to please be extra generous.

Later this month, none other than the managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., Ms Gina Lopez, is heading here to Los Angeles to meet with philanthropists in celebration of the 10^th anniversary.

ABS-CBN Foundation consultant Robbie Fabian is hosting a special gathering of donors in honor of Ms Gina Lopez on April 21^st at the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles.

If you would like more information about this event, please email me at monet@monetsalon.com or give me a call at 213.216.4923.

For more about Bantay Bata, please visit www.abscbnfoundation.org to find out how you can help.

Have a great weekend everyone!

An Invitation To Join the 2007 Friends of Bantay Bata Los Angeles Host Committee

A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE CHILDREN'S VILLAGE
By J Robbie Fabian
Consultant/ABS CBN Foundation

Ten years ago ABS CBN Foundation established Bantay Bata to rescue abused Filipino children. What started as an effort to respond to the needs of a few children in need has now become one of the most effective programs in the forefront of the effort to protect the interests of children in the Philippines.

Bantay Bata is also the most widely supported cause in the Philippines for Filipinos in the United States and around the world. This is a testimony to our deep-rooted concern for the well-being and future of all Filipino children. However, as donations increase to support programs to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused children, so do the number of cases.

Since Batay Bata’s inception in 1997, the number of children rescued every year has dramatically increased. We now receive about 28,000 calls and tips for help a year through the 24-hour hotline—approximately 75 contacts per day. In December 2006, we rescued our 186,000^th child.

In the worst cases Bantay Bata assists the Philippine Department of Social Welfare to extract children away from their abusive environments. These children are brought to the Children’s Village where they are provided extensive nutritional, educational and psychological intervention in a live-in, home-like environment before reuniting them back into society.

The Children’s Village is a six-cottage property situated in acres of donated land in the province of Bulacan. It has the capacity to provide transitional housing to 200 children at any given time.

To commemorate our 10^th anniversary, we invite you to join the Friends of Bantay Bata this year in support of the efforts of the Children’s Village. We are creating a Los Angeles Host Committee for the 10^th anniversary. This core group of 50 select Los Angeles supporters will each pledge at least $1,000 to commemorate this anniversary year. Pledges can be fulfilled before December 2007. Names of the Host Committee members will appear in special on-air announcements at The Filipino Channel. (TFC) Also, the 50 names will be included in a permanent acknowledgement on the wall of the Children’s Village’s main building. The next time you visit the Philippines, we hope you would visit the Village to see your name on this wall.

We would be honored to count you as one of the 50 members of the Los Angeles Host Committee. We also invite you to a special reception for members of the Committee to meet with Gina Lopez on Saturday, April 21, 5 pm, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles—333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90071.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Los Angeles Host Committee and to the Bantay Bata family. Please call Robbie Fabian at (310) 657-5911 to confirm your attendance.

The Style & Class of TF

FANNY SERRANO: AN INSPIRATION

As a make-up artist, people sometimes ask me whom I look up to in this business. I’m always apt to say Fanny Serrano. For those who know beauty, I think they would agree that Fanny is an obvious choice. I can say he is one of the best, if not THE best in the beauty industry of the Philippines.

Subok ko na yan si kapatid na Fanny or TF as his closest friends call him.

He has the highest standards when it comes to craftsmanship, professionalism and business ethics.

Sa galling nya, I would say he is the Kevyn Aucoin ng Pilipinas. You know Kevyn Aucoin—make-up artist to stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Tina Turner, Audrey Hepburn, Whitney Houston, Isabella Rossellini, and about 18 of Vogue covergirls.

Like Kevyn, Fanny is also known for his celebrity clientele such as Lorna Tolentino and other Philippine movie queens. But you can really tell that he has talent by the way he makes over what many may consider “plain-looking” faces and turn them into smashing beauties.

As talented as he is, he is also very humble. And his best arsenal: his faith and spirituality. He is such a good Christian role model.

I remember many years ago when my father was dying, Fanny was the comforting voice who told me to let go because holding on was preventing my father from moving on peacefully.

Just with those words, I made peace with my father’s death. I’m grateful to Fanny for that. He has strong, insurmountable convictions.

A lot of excellent beauty experts have come and gone. But Fanny is still around because he’s been able to consistently provide value to the people through his talent and sincerity.

I met Fanny through a good friend of mine, Mary Ann Pimenta. Mary Ann brokered Fanny’s participation in my show, Reflections Awards, back in the 90s. It was a smash hit.

Anything that that Fanny touches turns gold. He has a good business sense and he’s been fortunate to have found people whom he has the same visions with.

Fanny recently teamed up with Mary Ann and Revlation International in the production of quality beauty cosmetics to further enhance the Pinay beauty.

Also recently, Fanny debuted his own clothing line, Fanny Serrano Couture. Kahit anong industriya ang pasukin nya, he has achieved success.

This is why I consider him a strong role model.

I am so excited that the very busy Fanny Serrano has cleared his schedule to come to L.A. and make an appearance at the1^st L.A.-Philippine Wedding Expo on April 14-15 at the Pasadena Convention Center (Lower Level Hall).

I invite everyone to meet this living beauty legend! He is scheduled to conduct a special make-up demo on Saturday, April 14. It will be held at the Little Theatre.

For more information, please call me at 213.216.4923 or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com. Seating is limited for this demo so I encourage you to make a reservation.

Again, I invite everyone to come to the Wedding Expo on the weekend of April 14-15 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Doors open at 10am.

I wish everyone a very solemn Holy Week…

(Published April 7, 2007 Los Angeles Asian Journal)

The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also the executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19^th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dream of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.

The Quintessential Beauty - Dr Vicki Belo

COME SEE DR BELO AT THE WEDDING EXPO ON APRIL 14-15

My good friend Dr Vicki Belo is a true-to-life testament of how the right combination of hard work, talent and heart can make a difference in this world. Ang masasabi ko lang -- what a remarkable woman!

During my recent visit to Manila, I had the privilege of spending some time with her. Her schedule is super hectic I feel fortunate that she found time to hang out with me. She is an effective multi-tasker extraordinaire!

I got to really see what a typical day is for the famous beauty tycoon. And I tell you, it’s no wonder she was able to build a beauty empire. This woman is always working! She wakes up at 6am and her day is filled with appointments and meetings. If it were humanly possible to attend to all her clients personally, she would do it. But unfortunately, there are only so many hours in a day for one person, even if that person is as hardworking as Dr Belo.

I really witnessed her dedication and admirable work ethic. She works so hard but she doesn’t take for granted other aspects of her life that are equally as important to her.

For one, she makes time for her friends. In fact, while I was in Manila she invited me and my sister for lunch at her palatial home in Dasmarinas. I’m not exaggerating--she really lives in a palace. The place is so grand yet cozy/homey with a modern-chic feel to it.

Dr Belo also took time out of her busy schedule to show me around The Fort Bonifacio Global City. It’s a very posh area.

She showed me the Serendra row of restaurants. It is quite the “in” place to be right now when you’re in Manila. We went to Café Puccini to grab dinner with Mr Bernardo Bernardo. It felt so nice and relaxing. We chitchatted for hours. The weather in Metro Manila that time was just ideal.

Dr Belo is ever the gracious hostess. She gives so much of herself to others. I am so happy to know she has found a new love to inspire her, the way she inspires others.

I’ve met her new steady, Dr Hayden. Seeing them together, I came to the conclusion that no two people could be more compatible. Bagay na bagay talaga sila! They are quite a handsome couple.

Being in love agrees with Dr Belo. Two of her best loves are her children Crystal and Quark. I also witnessed how connected she is to her children. It’s amazing. She really did a great job with them. Crystal, who helps manage her Mom’s beauty business, has grown to be a very confident and lovely young lady.

I am deeply thankful to Dr Belo for the gift of her company as well as her kindness while I was in Manila. She is a true friend.

Incidentally, I am happy to announce that she will be coming to Los Angeles very soon to headline a symposium during the LA-Philippine Wedding Expo on April 14-15 at the Pasadena Convention Center (Lower Level Hall).

She has some tips for brides and grooms out there who want to look their best on their wedding day. Of course, she will be discussing beauty in general, even if you are not getting married.

This will be a very insightful symposium. And it’s only happening at the Wedding Expo this April, being produced by Lavish! Events Planning organizers Carol & Jonathan Dela Paz.

I invite everyone to come see Dr Belo at this major Fil-Am event. Her talk is set for Sunday, April 15 inside the Little Theater of the Pasadena Convention Center. Seating is limited so you better get there early! Doors to the expo open at 10am.

On Saturday, April 14, another beauty icon is making an appearance at the Wedding Expo. The fabulous Fanny Serrano will be doing make-up demos and dishing out essential beauty techniques.

So please don’t miss two days of beauty on April 14-15. It will be a weekend of fun and excitement.

If you have questions about Dr Belo and Fanny Serrano’s impending LA appearances at the Wedding Expo, you may contact me at 213.216.4923 or you may send me an email monet@monetsalon.com.

Have a great weekend and see you on April 14-15!

(Published March 31, 2007 Los Angeles Asian Journal)

The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also the executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19^th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dream of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.

The Events To See & Be Seen...

UPCOMING L.A. EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED!

The election fever is getting heated over here in Manila. Medyo nakaka-tense. At the same time, there’s an air of excitement and anticipation. I just pray that the electorate picks the right leaders.

Napakainit na usapin dito ang pagsali ng mga artista sa politika. For me, it’s a question of commitment to public service. Kahit saang industriya ka galing, if you have a strong work ethic, a good heart and a proactive spirit, you are very much qualified to do many things, including become a public servant.

It has been such a pleasure spending some time here in the Philippines. But I am also very excited to fly back to LA partly because of upcoming events that I wouldn’t dare miss:

Kasama na dito ang nalalapit na birthday bash ng LA’s diva and one of my good friends, Lou Sabas. Happy happy birthday Lou!

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I’m also excited about the first ever LA-Philippines Wedding Expo happening on April 14-15 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Entitled “From This Day Forward…”, this event is being spearheaded by the young and vibrant couple Carol and Jonathan Dela Paz. There will be a press conference this coming Tuesday, March 27, 2007 in Studio City. To media representatives who want to attend, please email me at monet@monetsalon.com for more info about the venue and time. This expo is a unique opportunity that engaged couples and other interested parties shouldn’t pass up! We have surprises in store, including celebrity appearances. Stay tuned!

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Coming up this June is the grand debutante ball of the lovely Samantha Gonzales of Oxnard. Samantha is the daughter of Venie and Sam Gonzales. Excited ako to work on this debutante ball because I just love turning budding young girls into beautiful swans. Samantha, the debutante, is a remarkable young lady. Currently, she is a 12^th grade student at St. Bonaventure High School and plans to attend the University of Irvine to study psychology, following the footsteps of her equally remarkable Mom Venie.

This young Fil-Am is very attuned to her Filipino roots because of the influence of her parents. We asked her how she feels about celebrating her 18^th birthday party in this traditional fashion, and she said: “The Filipino tradition of a Debutante Ball is great because it gives a girl a chance to show how much she has grown over the years. I think it's a tradition that most girls want to experience and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to have one.”

My events consulting company Events Specialists International is working hard to give Samantha the most memorable Debutante Ball, with all the trappings befitting a special young lady.

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The comeback of the US-Philippines Expo was so successful last year that its anticipated run this 2007 promises to be another major Fil-Am cultural event in Southern California. Organizers R-Page Inc. have set the expo date for the weekend of Aug. 4-5 at the Fairplex in Pomona. For more info about this expo, send me an email at monet@monetsalon.com and I will direct your inquiries to R-Page. It’s bound to be another star-studded event like last year.

May we always support our very own Fil-Am community events…

Have a great weekend everyone and see you soon!

(Published March 24, 2007 Los Angeles Asian Journal)

The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also the executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19^th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dream of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.