Style and Soul

Long time no see, soul mates. You haven't heard from me for almost two months now (!). Just when I was all geared up to write a steady stream of updates, I face a hectic work schedule that made it impossible for me to write anything vaguely interesting or meaningful. Thus, I'm consistently confronted with the choice of leaving you with nothing new to read instead of blah-ging my way into your feeds. 

Again and again, I have always told you how much I worry about blog content that I will not bother posting if there is really nothing much to say (I have twitter or my facebook page for that), which might explain the relative silence on the blog. When your life does not revolve around blogging, it's normal to encounter this ever-present stumbling block to consistently posting.

Technically, I think I have already been a non-blogger since late last year. Since the start of 2013, I have not attended any blogger event or accepted any additional blogging projects (except the existing ones) because I've been too focused on my work. Ditching all those have definitely given me all this extra time to do... even more work (haha, I must be crazy)! Styling for television, and a huge celebrity at that, has been very demanding, not to mention the fact that I've been juggling management jobs for a number of film and video projects altogether.

When I was younger, I really thought I was going to be a news anchor, reporter or a broadcast journalist right after college. Everything I imagined that I would be five years ago didn't turn out to be who I am now five years after.

Let me tell you, even if this has been my case, I'm glad I didn't become what I wanted to be. Right now, I'm thankful for turning into someone I'm meant to be (I really hope so, haha). 

Well I guess I'm probably not old enough or experienced enough to say this (wait I'm just in my early 20s, haha!) but with everything that has happened to me so far, I've come to realize that the most important thing in life is not necessarily what you want. Most of the time, the things that make you happy are the ones that are truly essential.

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Multiawarded film auteur Mario O'Hara passed away on Tuesday due to complications from leukemia. That day, I received a call from my boyfriend JR, his voice was shaking and eventually he was able to say the one thing I was scared to hear, "Wala na si Tito." 

Not a lot of my friends know this but yes, JR and Direk Mario are related. I don't just look up to the veteran director as a well-respected figure in Philippine cinema. My deep admiration comes from the fact that I was given the opportunity to know him as JR's uncle. I see him during family gatherings and at occasional random weekends when JR and his family would visit his house which is about a 15-minute drive from their home.

When I got the phone call, I could tell JR was holding back his tears. He was the only person there when it happened. JR has been taking care of his Tito and was by his side almost every night. Though I would have wanted to go and be there for him right that minute, JR asked me to wait until the situation was under control. A lot has been going on in the hospital at that time, add to that the press outside clamoring for a scoop.

I followed his request and waited for his text updates instead. Since last month when Direk Mario was first brought to the hospital (and was rushed back this June), I never got the chance to visit no matter how much I force JR to allow me. Their whole family wanted to make things really private. Everything I know about his condition and illness, I really had to keep to myself because the family and most of all, Direk Mario, didn't like media attention.

While everyone was talking about Dolphy's health condition, Direk Mario battled cancer in silence. That's just how he really was. I was quite puzzled why someone working for the entertainment industry would live such a private and quiet life.

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Prior to assisting blogger friend Aisa on her fashion styling stints, I've already done occasional work on wardrobe styling for indie films and short features. Notice that I've been very specific with the terms fashion styling and wardrobe styling for films. Is there really a difference? YES. 

Although the core values of styling can be similar in both, as I got to experience each, I realized that the two differ in goal and practice.

My previous post (which was about some practical commuting-in-style tips) was well-received by a lot of readers and it somehow gave me the urge to either write the second half of it right away, or keep on publishing self-help entries whenever I can. I've been really trying to keep my blog updated even though I only do this as a hobby (sort-of-but-not-quite-anymore). It's because, the encouraging feedback that I get from other people (from you!) is fuel for me to continue with whatever it is that I'm doing here.

I used to be unsure about who I'm writing for. All I know is I've always wanted to be able to relate to someone like me, a budget fashionista who never lets any limitation get in the way of her passion for style an success. Thank you guys! I find it so sweet of you to comment, tweet and e-mail me about how much my Commuting In Style entry helped you a lot. Really, super aaww talaga!

Of course, as a fashionista commuter, I'm not always in bongga chic outfits. Its very helpful for me to know when to dress down naman. Good thing about my dress down days is that I have a couple of basics in my closet (should buy more actually!) and one of my favorites is this Giordano Lion Polo from Lloyda (Fashionista Fortune Cookie) who also works for the brand.

Lion Polo c/o Giordano | Pants Thrifted | Boots c/o Shoe Etiquette

I love red striped back of Giordano Lion Polo's collar

Comfy boots from Shoe Etiquette

I've worn this polo shirt so many times already during my errands, casual meetings and lazy days. However, it never graced my blog yet because it's either I forget to take photos or I'm too haggard to take an outfit shot na! Buti nalang I had a chill meeting over dinner with my production teammates Kim and Ilsa for The Mutual. THE MUTUAL is a production team founded by Kim, Ilsa and me. After college, all of us have been working freelance and we shared our rakets (commissioned projects) together especially when it entails film and video production.

Now, we finally decided to stop working as individuals who "contact friends that will tag along in each of our projects." Now, we concentrate on working as one team who offers clients a full production team package. Hire us for your shoot or events (coverage) and we will take care of everything - from organizing the shoot, to the equipment to use, the skills and talent on photography and videography, creative direction, concept, editing, sound and musical scoring.

For this group, what I bring to the table is my experience in marketing communication, production managment and  production design. Other than that, I also do styling, second/third unit photography and videography. Ilsa and Kim do best at photography, videography and editing. Meanwhile, conceptualization and creative direction are being handled by the three of us as well. You might think it's just the tree of us, but actually (as a team) we're not alone in this because depending on how big the project is, we also have other people on board who specialize in musical scoring, graphics, lighting design etc.

Literally, it's a package. You won't have to worry and outsource a different photographer, a different videographer, a separate editor and stylist and even production manager because we will take care of that  here in THE MUTUAL. The only thing you should think about is your budget. We don't price ourselves too low because we will give you a quality output. I can assure you though that the price is never too high because our rates would always tailor-fit your needs and budget.

Two of my readers have sent me an e-mail inquiring about our package and prices for their upcoming debuts and parties after seeing this viral video of Claire Unabia of America's Next Top Model (BTS of her Manila Bulletin shoot styled by Aisa Ipac & Jear De Mccuttac). I feel really great about this and I hope you can support us and refer us to your family and friends! ^__^

P.S. For photography, film and video production services of The Mutual, contact me as of now melanie_entuna@yahoo.com. Visit our site (under construction), http://flavors.me/the_mutual.


Outfit photos by: Ilsa Malsi

Candid photo of me while waiting for a scene take.

Kim Alcoreza, the hair and make-up artist with her uh-maazhing hair.
Check out her beauty blog!


Sasha Palorames, the very talented cinematographer.

A fresh breed of young filmmakers will showcase their potential and talents in the upcoming Likha Adarna student film festival brought to you by UP Diliman's gifted film and audiovisual students. For those who will drop by, don't be surprised if you see my face suddenly pop on the big screen because I play a supporting role in one of the short films, Brownout sa Neighborhood namin That Day. It is directed by my orgmate Judd, a photo blogger and fashion enthusiast who recently started his blog. Check him out!

After Astig TV's Reunion mini series, this acting thing can be a career now don't you think? Haha!

Background: I landed a role for a mini TV drama show for ASTIG TV. It was very unexpected and I am beyond thankful to God for the opportunity that was given to me. Thank you for all the positive comments for Reunion's Episode 1. Second episode coming up!

ASTIG TV Reunion behind-the-scenes shot.

(L-R: Mimi played by Justine Caballero, Shine played by Danica See and yours truly as Steph)

I'm my own worst critic.

I think we all are, when it comes to ourselves. Aminin mo, ganyan ka sa sarili mo (Admit it, you're like that too). All the positive feedbacks that you guys left me regarding my first starring role in a mini drama series for Astig TV were truly flattering. Thank you, for all the kind words! But you know, I still have this uneasy feeling whenever I watch myself. It never occur to me that one day, I would actually be on-cam because I've always worked behind the lens.

In the past, I remember being close-minded, thinking that off-cam work is more fulfilling. But after landing this role, I realized that I shouldn't have underestimated "talents"; their ability to memorize lines and above all, convey feelings demanded by the script. If you look at it very closely, my role didn't require much. But if you only knew... during the taping, I was extremely shy and conscious.

All through-out the shoot, I was second-guessing myself. I wondered if I was being inadequate. I know, I know, it's one of the worst and negative fears ever... the fear of failure. I'm trying my best to get past it but as of now I still haven't completely taken it off my system. I'm pushing... really trying to believe in myself, in my talent and in my ability. If you have confidence issues like me, let's walk together in this path to embracing who we are, okay? Let's go!

So far as my acting skills go, I've always been used to watching professional actors do what they do best. But since, there's a probability that I would show up in some sort of TV show or short film every once in a blue moon, I better improve or hone every tiny bit of acting talent that I have by [maybe] taking a couple of workshops.

Again, thanks for all the nice comments and support from you guys! I don't have cable and honestly, I don't know the time slot of the mini-series (I wasn't in contact with the production anymore) but you can catch the episodes first on http://astigtv.ph. I'll be posting Reunion Episode 2 in tumblr. I moved it there because I didn't like the fact that the video automatically plays itself when the page loads. I want my blog to be audio-free (the sound is too distracting).

Watch my mini-show now? Hihihi! (click link below)

ASTIG TV special presents: REUNION (Episode 2)

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I've shared this to a few blogger friends: Aisa, Ana, Ava and I think Nicole overheard it too during the Facehunter event. Uhmmm... I'll be on the telly for a couple of weeks...

ASTIG TV special presents:

REUNION (Episode 1)