Amor Albano: Unfolding Beauty Beyond Her Designs

Photos taken during and after my interview with her.

           Who would not know such a beautiful and talented person like Amor Albano? Ever since she became one of the finalists during  3rd Season of Project Runway Philippines, several people got fascinated with her artistic and wonderful techniques used to create her garments. In short, this show instantly brought out a simple yet talented person into the limelight. Thus, she became famous and I believe that she is still in the midst of realizing the fact that she is a celebrity especially in Ilocos Norte's Fashion Industry. Being a former schoolmate of this talented designer way back high school days, her Facebook post that goes this way " I miss the usual Amor" made me fully understand that  she really is starting to adjust into the spotlight of the fashion industry. Her simple Facebook post indeed captured my attention to explore the depths of her heart and discover her beauty beyond the artistic and glamorous gowns that are created for everyone who trusts her expertise. What you are about to read are Amor Albano's answers to the questions  that will surely make you understand how she became an inspiration not just to her fellow Ilocano's  but to her countrymen as well.

1. How did you start to dream as a designer?
             Just  like any other designer, Amor says that she  started to develop her innate passion for fashion at a young age. She would always remember herself hanging out with her friends in some bridal shops and she would help do some bead works and she would get paid in a minimal amount. She clarified that what she did before was not a part-time job but more of a past time and an avenue to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry.

2. What inspired you to join Project Runway Philippines Season 3? 

               Amor answered that she  was inspired by  her goal to at least be able to provide for the needs of her family. Apart from that, a friend of hers non other than " Mr. Randy Leano" convinced her to get out of her shell, show her talent and audition for the said Reality Fashion Show.

3. What happened to Amor Albano  after the Final Runway?

              She blushed , smiled and said, " I don't like it". Its not because I don't like the job and the sudden surge of clients to my shop but maybe I am just not used to  be a celebrity". She smiles again. " I don't like it when people take photos while I walk along the streets of the city. I am just a simple person and all I want is for people to see me as a normal person " She continues.

4. What is the best lesson you have ever learned from Project Runway Philippines?

          That   would be the value and appreciation of simplicity among the garments that I create. I would always remember the line that says " Clothes are not created to make people look beautiful but it is rather the people who make the clothes look beautiful"

5. Among the Project Runway Philippines Judges, whom do you like most?

     " I actually like all of them but if I were to really choose between the judges, I would choose Mr. Rajo Laurel as he really is the one who has first hand experience on handling garments. I appreciate the skills of the other judges too but Rajo is obviously on the top of my list.

6. Name some of your favorite material for your garments? 

      " I would go for the following:

                  a. Duchess satin because it not too lustrous and it is easy to handle.

                  b. Abel  Iloco  because of its vibrant color and manageability as well. 

                  c. Any crispy cloth so I could play on the designs

 7. If you were a gown, what kind of gown would you be and why?

      " I would be  a see through long gown because it is elegant and I don't keep any secret " Amor confidently answers.

8. How do you see yourself 10 years from now? 

      " I would still be the same Amor whom you are talking too right now, but when it comes to the fashion world, I hope that someday, I would be able to have more mannequins on my display plus more helpers to sew my designs. " "I would never go for a sex transplant too", she chuckles. 

9. Would you ever dream of going international?

    " Just like what I have said, I am just a simple person and I guess strong competition would just give me a great burden." Yet, if I were given the chance to leave my hometown, I would try my luck but I would still go back to where my heart is."  

10. What would you say to those budding designers who look up to you and your creations?

      " Never cease to dream and be strong towards facing your challenges. In some point of your life, you may experience failure but you have to make use of that as a stepping stone for success" ----Never give up...Go lang ng go!!!! 

         Gee,  her words indeed lingered in my mind. This simple chit chat with her simply proved my hypothesis that Amor Albano is not just an artistic and talented designer but a real beauty inside and out. I congratulate her and I hope for her continuous success in all aspects of her life.

      

       

English Language Students Ramp 4 Faces of A Rock Star Inspired Call Center Applicant Fashion

                Its nice to have you read my blog once again dear readers!!! . I am right now saying this greeting with a hug and kiss coming from me (mwaahugggss) .

                  Oh well it is pretty obvious that I feel very happy and fulfilled today  because my TESDA - LSI - English Language   students liked and enjoyed the activity that I have prepared for them today. This has something to do with dressing up and fashion , since I believe that one among the many ways to acquire confidence in terms of language abilities is to be physically and mentally comfortable.To break the monotony of usual lectures, I ought to teach them how to carry themselves with confidence and style while wearing clothes that define who and what they are through a 3- phase fashion challenge. That included putting on make up, kitty heels relay and of course their favorite dress-me-up activity. On the last phase of the challenge, my learners were given the chance to compete per team as they dress up their models intro three different images which include dressing-up a fashion and advertising, avant-garde and rock star image of a teacher and call center applicant respectively. Among these three dress up challenges, the idea of wearing a rock star inspired call center applicant outfit  caught most of my attention because I know that It would be difficult to bring out a rock star image and maintain the standards of professional mode of dressing. I particularly liked their outputs and this is  the reason why I am sharing you the 4 Faces of A Rock Star Inspired Call Center Applicant Clothing. I can now see that you are pretty excited to take a look at them. Thus,  I won't keep you guys waiting.

 

Here are the Rock star inspired call center wannabees  1,2,3 and 4  in counter 

 clockwise order

1. Rock Star Inspired Call Center Agent Wannabee Number 1: This female locked inside the man's body is  the model who is holding the baton in the photo. According to his group-mates, their inspiration was Lady Gaga and they also say that his outgoing personality enabled them to come up with the said concept. To site his outfit further, his classmates decided to use  a red inner blouse which they say symbolizes the model's active personality. They topped the fabric with a black blazer paired with black pants and dark rock star sunglasses with large hoop earrings for  accessories.  During the deliberation, I told the group that the outfit rocked but they have overdone the styling. If I were the employer, it would most likely appeal to me that the applicant would merely go into my company just to flaunt his image and the huge earrings would surely be irritating for the applicant once he gets into his station and wears his headset. My over all rating : 5 stars.

 2. Rock Star Inspired Call Center Agent Wannabee Number 2 : The boy next door has been transformed by his stylists into Harry Potter's Rock Star Version, you may not have seen his clear eye glasses but during the judging and deliberation, they made him wear  eye glasses which gave him that professional image. The rock star aura became evident as he put on his black long sleeved shirt which was rolled up to depict a less formal personality. They also let him wear a printed black and white necktie plus his hairstyle was a bit spiked to further create their target image. As a judge, I told them that their creation had a balance between professional and rock star clothing. They were able to make the model look honorable with his rock-star inspired smart -casual outfit. My over all rating: 10 stars.

Rock Star Inspired Call Center Agents Wannabee Numbers 2 and 3 during the presentation and deliberation

3.  Rock Star Inspired Call Center Agent Wannabee Number 3: This licensed criminologist  model ramped her way while projecting the Rock Star Inspired Call Center Applicant Outfit. We can vividly see in the photo that her hair has been pony tailed like a fountain and her clothes are obviously all black. The group paired her outfit with a Rock Star inspired leather black belt and a customized hand bag made from a knotted long sleeved blazer.  The group's creativity to come up with a customized bag just to have an accessory that matches the outfit impressed me. I also liked the confidence and projection of the model as she made me believe that she was a part of what she was wearing. In other terms, she really looked and acted like a real rock star fanatic. Despite the fact that I was impressed with their ingenuity, her hairstyle captured my attention. Since the task was to come up with an applicant that has to have a touch of being a rock- star, I would say that leaving her hair untied would create a more professional image. My over all rating : 9 stars

4. Rock Star Inspired Call Center Agent Wannabee Number 4: She's the simplest yet one of the prettiest in the group of models. Despite being the only girl in their group, her male stylist was able to capture an Avril Lavigne inspired call center applicant. Her outfit was really simple but her beauty and style rocked the whole class. The group dressed her up wearing black topper with plaid inner blouse and stripes necktie. For her bottoms, she wore black jeans paired with high heeled black shoes and a silver chain accessory that hang on her pants. As for her hairstyle, the stylists decided to make it look simple and untied yet neatly combed. As for my impression, She Rocked My World....I was speechless. My over all rating: 10 stars

Okay, I have finally finished introducing you the 4 Different Rock Star Inspired Call Center Applicant Outfit as modeled and styled by my Language Skills Institute Students. I hope that you guys enjoyed reading this article and I look forward to have you share this to everyone. Who knows, you might be the next person who will rock BPO ( Business Process Outsourcing) offices in your very own Rock Star Inspired Wardrobe,