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.

      

       

6 Must Know and Rare Facts About Secretary Joel Villanueva

Director Gen. Villanueva poses with TESDA- Ilocos Norte's Director Carag and TESDA Staff

          Alright, it seems that I just can't get a hang out of Director Villanueva's visit at TESDA Ilocos Norte simply because I was able to witness something which makes me admire him (not just with his looks) but because of his personality and intelligence. What I have for you dear readers are 5 Rare Facts that make his personality interesting.

Director Villanueva enjoys a serving of his favorite "buko juice"

1. He likes buko juice a lot -Among the various genuine Iloco recipes which we have prepared for his meal with TESDA -Ilocos Norte Family, it was only the "Buko juice" which caught his attention. According to his best friend, Director Villanueva's favorite is Buko Juice that is why we never hesitated to include it to our menu for his meal.

2. He gives great importance to his real friends - Based on what I have observed during his visit at the Province, I came to realize that even if Director Villanueva has already been regarded as a public figure, his title never let him forget to look back and treasure his most precious friendship to his best friend. He just loves to share things about his good old days with his best friend. He also made it a point to become part of his best-friend's wedding day despite his busy schedule.

DG Villanueva casually shares stories with TESDA- MAIS Administrator

3. He cheerful - Before he came to the office, I already had this concept in mind that he is going to be just like other high ranking officials who visit places and project a rather formal and poker faced facial expression but when I got to see him, Gee!!! I was wrong!!! The moment he came inside the Language Skills Institute, he already gave that very warm smile that vividly showed how happy he was to see my trainees.I also will not forget how he casually laughs and share stories with other TESDA officials even when the regular employees were around them.

DG with LSI Trainer Ms. Honeylynn Inocencio

4. He is down to earth - I bet that it was his humility and God fearing nature which made him earn his position right now, as I try to look at his manner of dealing with people, he simply to have a heart for everyone. His words " Come and Join me, wag kayong mahiya dahil isang pamilya lang tayo sa TESDA" was laid kept to my mind as his voice still rings to my ears even up to this time.

5. He is undeniably handsome - This probably is the most observable fact about Secretary General Joel Villanueva. It is indeed a fact that most people find him jaw dropping and heart melting but we already have to stop day dreaming about him because he is already married to the girl of her dreams.  Some people even say that he looks like Hayden Kho ( I agree with that).

6. He plays basketball -  Yes you heard it right, Director General Villanueva, is far more than the usual concept of being famous for his good looks, good character and intelligence. Mind you, he also plays basketball.  In fact, I remember one of his shared stories when he visited the office. He related a  funny story in which he was able to encounter and event which has been attended by the President of the Philippines and a basketball player friend of him. He said that when the basketball player saw him, the said person immediately approached Director Villanueva to have a hand shake.

       As a conclusion, I may not be Director Villanueva's  Personal Relations officer nor his Executive Secretary but with what I have observed on him, I can proudly say that this young fellow shall go  far with his extraordinary heart, intelligence and good governance.