Mapua Civil Engineering Pre-pageant

It's not just Zielah's customers who love the clothes, even Mapua Institute of Technology's School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering (SCEGE) fancy the shop's high-fashion sense. As a result, last November 12, 2012 (Monday), the SCEGE Student Council asked Zielah Ablong if she could provide their female contestants with clothing. And as a result, all the clothes you see in the picture are from Zielah's Couture!

Want to see more pictures? Click here!

How to Edit Your Picture with Pixlr.com

No matter how many megapixels your camera is loaded with, gone are the days where you just snap a photo and upload/print. In today’s world, nearly everyone edits there picture before revealing it to their friends and family. If you don’t have any basic photoshop knowledge, here’s a very simple way on how you can easily edit your pictures online with no hassle at all!

Step 1. Go to http://pixlr.com/

Yes. Pixlr.com is the easiest way to edit your picture. It is also the most advance and most efficient way of picture editing. You no longer need to download any program whatsoever, and the best thing about it is that it’s absolutely free!

Image 1. How Pixlr.com looks like.

Upon clicking, you will be able to choose between three options, the ADVANCED, EFFICIENT, and PLAYFUL.

Step 2. Choosing an Option

Image 2. You can click, hold and then drag your mouse to the left or right to view all the effects.

If you're familiar of how Instagram edits pictures, clicking the Open Pixlr-o-matic (Playful) does exactly that but much more! Once you've clicked the option and uploaded your picture, you'll be given more than a dozen photo effects. Just refer to Image 2.

However, if you want your picture to have a little classy or formal look. We suggest that you try the Open Pixlr express (Efficient) option. With that option, picture editing just became a whole lot easier. You can make collages without having to stress if the sizes of the pictures are proportional, or you can add effects to your photos with ease. Evidently, there are more options if you clicked this window.

If you're familiar with the basic concepts of Photoshop, than it's best if you go for Open Pixlr editor (advanced). Although it doesn't have all the components of photoshop, it comes with enough options for you to be able to edit your picture like you had photoshop installed. However, we won't be explaining how to use the open-pixlr editor (advanced) option since this option uses very intricate processes in photo manipulation.

Step 3. Edit Your Photos

If you've chosen:

Open Pixlr-o-matic (Playful)

Image 3

Now, if you refer to Image 3, the option encircled is the "add effects" option. By clicking it, you can choose more effects to add to the strip. Moreover, if you can see the bottom center half circle that has the colors red, blue, and light green, this allows you to change the type of of effect you want to apply to your picture.

Red - change effect, contrast, and other presets

Blue - change lens effect

Green - change/add border.

Image 4

Once you've finished, hit next and save! (refer to Image 4)

If you've chosen:

Open Pixlr express (Efficient)

Image 5

You'll find more options to work with here. The collage part of this option is easy to use and to understand, all you need to do is to decide how many pictures you want, and choose a collage layout and start uploading! However, if you want to concentrate on singular pictures. You can either click the Open Url, Webcam, or Browse option.

Once you've chosen your picture, you'll have four main aspects to work with, Adjustment, Effect, Overlay, Border, Sticker, and Text. Out of the rest, the Adjustment is the most complex and requires basic knowledge in photo manipulation. Refer to Image 6.

Image 6

By clicking Adjustments, you'll have more than a dozen effects you can use. Here are brief descriptions of these effects:

Image 7. Auto Fix

1. Auto Fix: Autofix simply balances the colors and levels of the picture. It doesn't necessarily mean the picture will look better. Image 7 shows an example when you apply autofix.

2. Color: Basically, the option color allows you to change the image's hue, saturation, and lightness.

3. Vibrance: Vibrance allows you to either add or lessen the amount of color in your image. In other words, you can decide how "faded" you want your picture to be.

4. Touch up/Airbrush: You can use these two tools to remove unwanted blemishes on your photo. Remove pimples, dark spots, and eye-bags in an instant!

5. Liquify: You can have some fun in this option, you can manipulate different parts on the photos. In other words, you can make yourself look sexier and add more mass to your flimsy arms and legs!

6. Focal Blur: This tool is used to make a part of the photo stand out by blurring the background. Let's say I want to make Jameila's face stand out. So I'll be blurring the rest of the photo. It should look like Image 8. As you can see, I've put the circle on her face, this means that I only want her face to be seen.

Image 8. Focal Blur

Once you're done. Hit save!

Written by:

Clement Fajardo

FASHION-ON-THE-DOT: Trishie Couture

 Since we didn't actually finish the entire show, this article will be written a little less formal, more of a blog-type writing style.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Months of preparation were needed to organize this sublime event. As you can see from the poster, this was held at the Palladium near the New World Hotel at Makati. The event transpired on September 20, 2012.

Correct me if I'm wrong but, there were three fashion designers who showed off their new designs to the general public. First was Acee's Clothing (not sure of the spelling), next was Pink Fashion, and then (saving the best for last), Trishie's Couture.


THE DOWNSIDES
It sure did take a lot of effort to organize this event. Although one of the downsides to the event was that it didn't start on time. The event proper actually started at almost 12 Midnight. This is the reason to why we weren't able to finish the event (being college students), we still had classes the next day; which was a bummer.

Another downside of the event was the open bar. Open bars are not necessarily a bad thing, but it would have been better and easier to handle the crowd if the drinks they received were more classy. Like wine or champagne. Or even a punch. Similar to the fashion shows you've seen in the movie Devil Wears Prada.

The lighting was another problem. We couldn't see the designs as clearly. Moreover, the event may also have progressed smoothly if there were enough seats for everyone. Yes, we did understand the first come and first serve basis but there weren't enough seats to cater for half the attendees.


THE UPSIDES

Evidently, the clothes portrayed during the show deserves a thumbs up. Most of them were original, designed by the artist themselves, and to think all these new fashion designers are young? Makes it even more fabulous.

Other people may comment on the models. They might say that these aren't actually models. Which is true. They aren't models. However, I think what the owner/organizer (Trishie) wanted to accomplish was to show the people that the clothes she designed were meant for common-folk. People who aren't nearly as perfect as the models we see on television. Moreover, most of her ramp models had a lot of attitude, which is great for these kind of modelling.

Prizes, prizes, prizes. This is one of my favorite parts. Even if the show was about Trishie's Couture, it still recognized the fashion sense of other fashion-fanatics who attended the event. Best-makeup, best clothes, and a lot of other giveaways. There's two things for certain though, she sure knows how to respect her competition and she sure knows who to attract a crowd.


OVERALL CONCLUSION
To sum it all up, we at Zielah's believe that the event was a success. Yes everything has its ups and downs, but considering this is the first time Trishie's Couture has organized an event like this, it surely is a success. One of the most important things in any event whatsoever is the attendees or number of participants, if you can attract a crowd, you definitely have an influence over them.

In addition, Trishie's Couture brought a new way of showing off fashion to the world. The mix up of party and show kept people's adrenaline rush on high gear. This ensured that no one got bored and everyone was "alive."

PICTURES FROM THE NIGHT

Jameila Bito-on (left), Zielah Ablong 

Clement Fajardo

Jameila Bito-on. A photographer from the couture actually took a picture of her because
of the dress. The photographer said that Jam would appear in a fashion magazine.

Zielah Ablong showing off her Egyptian style clothing.

Written by:

Clement Fajardo

Behind the Scenes: September 2012 Collection

Lindsay Chetaud (left), Reese Ricaborda (center), Zielah Ablong (right)

(From Left to Right)
Lindsay Chetaud, Jameila Bito-on, Chrisna Bobis,  Zielah Ablong, Reese Ricaborda

(From Left to Right)
Lindsay Chetaud, Jameila Bito-on, Chrisna Bobis,  Zielah Ablong, Reese Ricaborda

Ongoing:  Reese Ricaborda photoshot
Photographer (left): Ram Marcelo

Shoe-time!

Lindsay Chetaud (left), Reese Ricaborda (right)

During the Shoot

Food and Makeup do not match...

The 2nd Shoot for the September 2012 Collection.
Jameila Bito-on putting makeup.

Zielah Ablong (left), Jameila Bito-on (right)

Photography by:
Katherine Nobleza
Clement Fajardo

Post Processing:
Clement Fajardo

COED: Chrisna Karla Olmos Bobis

Zielah’s Online Shop Presents

Chrisna Karla Olmos Bobis

September 2012 Model Search Winner

“If I were to describe Chrisna’s personality in one word, it would be smart.” – Clement Fajardo

Model: Chrisna Bobis
Photography: Katherine Nobleza
Post-Processing: Clement Fajardo
Makeup: Albert Tablan / Jameila Bito-on
Styling: Zielah Ablong
Clothes: Zielah's Online Shop

The September 2012 Model Search Winner

First of all, what do you think about Zielah’s Online Shop? What makes it different from the rest?

Well, what makes the shop different from the rest is that Zielah herself is really into it. She dedicates a lot of time and effort in picking out clothes and taking care of her customers. I want to support it because I can see the magnitude of her passion with what she’s doing. Nevertheless, Zielah was even humble enough to message me and ask me for other online shops.

That’s good to know, so evidently you already knew about the Model Search. So tell me, why did you join the Model Search?

I joined because I like photoshoots and I especially loved to support this one because Zielah is one of my friends. Moreover, I had other friends to be there for me when I needed them to. Since I already knew who I was going up against, I had a good chance of winning.

What about during the Photoshoot? How was it?

The shoot was fun. Actually, if it weren’t for the photographers Katherine Nobleza and Ralph Marcelo, the pictures weren’t going to be as great. I would also like to thank them for being patient, since there were two other models.

Model: Chrisna Bobis
Photography: Katherine Nobleza
Post-Processing: Clement Fajardo
Makeup: Albert Tablan / Jameila Bito-on
Styling: Zielah Ablong
Clothes: Zielah's Online Shop

Chrisna Vs. the World

Life is like a basketball game. You constantly take shots without thinking of the consequences of missing. It’s about getting as many points as you can and playing for the entire forty minutes. And when it comes to the game of life, Chrisna has definitely got the home court advantage.

Chrisna Karla Olmos Bobis, or Ysh, was born in December 20, 1992. She is currently studying at University of Makati under the course Bachelor of Integrated Arts Major in Broadcasting Arts. Before college, she wanted to become a psychologist. “I love dealing with people,” says Chrisna. When you combine her course with the course she wanted to take, it all bodes down to one conclusion: communication is one of her greatest strengths. On the other hand, taking up a course related to fashion never did seem to elude her. This stylist female loves to dress up, take pictures, and compose write ups regarding her fashion sense. In fact, she has her own blog entitled “STELLAR IN GLITTERS.”

Beauty, Brains, and Style

Beauty and brains do get along. It’s one of Chrisna’s most unsurpassed qualities. Not only that, she knows how to take a good picture and knows how to project herself with panache. Since she makes the most out of every picture and every pose, all her photos look great. And that’s just the beautiful side of her. Ysh is much more than good-looking, she’s amazingly smart as well. You’d probably get intimidated when you exchange words with this clever female. Her vocabulary, diction, and pronunciation are above average compared to the typical English-speaking Filipino.  But wait, there’s one more aspect of Chrisna that you haven’t seen. It’s her style. This girl really knows how to dress up; her favorite clothes being floral prints, pink pastels, vintage prints, and demin fabric.

Model: Chrisna Bobis
Photography: Ram Marcelo
Post-Processing: Clement Fajardo
Makeup: Albert Tablan / Jameila Bito-on
Styling: Zielah Ablong
Clothes: Zielah's Online Shop

Fashion Fabulous 

 Chrisna makes her stand in the fashion industry as well. She might not be a model, but she sure holds an influence over the general public. In fact, her blog, Stellar in Glitters, is ranked 429^th out of all the blogs in the Philippines and has almost 3,000 hits. Moreover, her blog is so popular that she was even asked by RT Moda Clothings to become one of their models in their upcoming event, Devil with the Dress On, on October 27, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Live and Love

From being a consistent honor student from elementary until high school, to being a cheerleader; this 4^th year student has done it all. She has been there and done that.  That’s why nothing surprises her anymore; which makes it quite difficult to win this lady’s heart. However, out of the thousand men who have tried to push their way into her life, only one man has succeeded. And his name is DannyJoe Olesco, or Jedan. Chrisna and Jedan have been best buds since high school. Somewhere along the way, they found each other’s hearts and have been together for almost three whole years. Their secret? A little bit of love and a little bit of trust.

Left: Chrisna Bobis; Right: DannyJoe Olesco
Post Processing: Clement Fajardo
(Picture from Chrisna Bobis)

When you first meet Chrisna, you’d probably think she’s maarte, masungit, and tahimik. However, that’s not even 1% of her. In reality, she’s talkative, descent, and extremely friendly. Ysh indeed has many sides.  She is like a binary code composed of zeros and ones, a book enclosed in chapters and messages, and an integral without limits. But in whatever way you might view her as, she is definitely one thing, Zielah’s September 2012 Model Search Winner.

Written by:

Clement Fajardo

Improve Your Lovelife Today

Photography: Jameila Bito-on
Models: Zielah Ablong / Clement Fajardo

Dating can really be fun. In fact, you can never be involved in any kind of relationship if the date ends in utter disaster. Where else would you get the chance to know the future love of your life? Dating is about two main things, how interesting you are and how well you project yourself. You might be the most handsome or charming guy around. You might even be the sexiest woman in the world. However, no matter how good of a chance you think you’ve got, why does the date always end in frustration?

Reason #1. You don’t dress to impress.

For Men. It’s not about being handsome. Neither is it about timing your punch lines. The first and foremost thing ladies look at is how you project yourself. Don’t go to a date with morning glory all over your face. Before you go to any date, make sure you dress to impress.

For Women. The biggest mistake you can ever make is wearing too much makeup. But don’t get the wrong idea, makeup is a good thing for a first date. However, too much of it can result in a wardrobe malfunction. Moreover, forget about wearing clothes that are too revealing. You don’t want to be sending the guy the wrong signal. If you're having a hard time looking for clothes, click here!

Reason #2. You talk way too much.

For Men. Guys. Listen up. Girls don’t like showoffs. Don’t go bragging about the stuff you have, how much money you have, or how great your body looks like. The secret is to let the girl find out herself. Find a way to do that, and you’ll find the way to her heart.

For Women. Although guys might love listening to your stories, remember that too much of anything is never a good thing. Look for body signals that can tell you when the guy’s heard enough. Usually when a guy’s getting bored with your stories, he’d probably do any of these three things. One, he’d starting drawing his attention on other things by looking away while nodding at you. Two, unless he has diarrhea, he’s been gone to the restroom more than once. And three, he’s rushing to finish his meal.

Reason #3. You’re too shy.

For Men. Most women expect guys to be the dominant person in any relationship. That’s why it’s important to have a little confidence. Don’t allow a woman think you can’t handle a simple conversation. Always try to open up new topics. Before you go to any date, have a list of questions and topics you can suggest.

For Women. Unless the guy is a total douchebag, be open to talk about anything. Your role in the date is to keep the conversation interesting by enticing him with stories that made you the person you are today. But remember, the trick is to keep him wanting to hear more. This is your key to that second date.  

Photography: Jameila Bito-on
Models: Clement Fajardo / Zielah Ablong

Reason #4. You give the wrong compliments.

For Men. Most women don’t like it when you tell them how sexy they are. Instead, tell them how slim they look. Remember that there is a very fine line between giving a good compliment to giving a terrible one. Try conjuring some lines such as, “do you go to the gym often? I just love your figure.” Moreover, at the end of a date. You’d want to keep them guessing. So after any date, try to say something like this, “you know, there’s only one thing I like about a woman. And from all the women I’ve dated, you were the only one who’s got it.” But don’t tell them what it is until your next date.

For Women. Guys just love compliments; and those compliments consist of three main topics. One, how good they look. Two, how well they dress up. And three, how they make you feel. If you give a guy compliments that revolve around these three topics, you’re all set. But be careful, you don’t want to make the guy’s head too big.

Written by:

Clement Fajardo

COED: Maristella Ang Ricaborda

Zielah's Online Shop Presents:

Maristella Ang Ricaborda

Primetime Model

Model: Reese Ricaborda
Photography: Katherine Nobleza
Post-Processing: Clement Fajardo
Makeup: Albert Tablan / Jam Bito-on
Styling: Zielah Ablong
Clothes: Zielah's Online Shop

“Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4

In a world entrapped with evil and egocentrism, only once in a blue moon would you find a person filled with a blissful aura. Only once would you find someone as beautiful who has devoted their life to God. Only once would you meet such a girl. Ladies and gentlemen, listen and read carefully, because only once would you get the chance to meet Miss Maristella Ang Ricaborda.

Maristella, or Reese, as her friends would call her, was born on August 17, 1995. This 5’6 seventeen year old lady is currently studying in the Lyceum of the Philippines University and is taking up Bachelor of Science in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. Although you might see her as an ordinary model, look again. Reese is much more than that. Ever since she was a child, she would find herself engaging in activities that would expand her knowledge and experience. Activities such as cooking, writing, singing, acting, and dancing are just a few of the many things she’d find herself doing. This Filipino-Spanish-Chinese female even has videos uploaded in youtube displaying her very talented disposition; which makes you ask yourself, “Is there anything she can’t do?”

Ms. Ricaborda also loves to read. Not magazines and comic books, but thick books such as Novels and the Holy Bible. “I’m attracted to long stories; it doesn’t matter if they’re books or movies, just as long they have a twist in the end. The mystery-type tales,” she says. Moreover, the love of writing doesn’t elude this young teen. Once an idea pops into her head, it’s almost impossible if a thought doesn’t turn into writing or a drawing. That’s probably the reason to why Reese never had to experience Pablo Picasso’s greatest predicament – Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.

When it comes to her clothes, Maristella consults her mood. In other words, you can actually tell how she’s feeling by the clothes she’s wearing. Her span of favorite outfits on an average day includes blue jeans and dark colored shirts. But don’t think of Reese as your average girl-from-next-door. This young lady can definitely bring it. If the event calls for a stunning outfit, she’ll probably strap on a long dark red gown. Since then, Reese has engaged herself to participate in the fashion industry as much and as often as she could. Even today in college she can’t go to class without wearing the famous smoky eyes.

Model: Reese Ricaborda

Photography/Post-Processing: Ram Marcelo

Makeup: Albert Tablan / Jam Bito-on

Styling: Zielah Ablong

Clothes: Zielah's Online Shop

As her love for fashion grew, Reese found herself more involved in the industry. Her first modeling experience transpired after her appendectomy surgery. Since her family had a few financial difficulties, Reese was compelled to help her mom and dad by signing up at a modeling agency. This was when her modeling career began. Since then, she boosted her own career by asking her friends and family to help her out for her portfolio and by posting that portfolio online. Once this was accomplished, professional photographers quickly caught eye; and given that Reese was still at a young age, people saw her potential to grow as a model was limitless.

As for her love life, Reese is currently single and not looking for Mr. Right. Why? Because she believes that God will provide her with her guy-to-be; the guy who’ll be able to bring that spark into a relationship. In other words, she believes, given the right time and place, that Mr. Right will fall into her arms and steal her breath in a heartbeat. She envisions him to be tall, fun, understanding, gentle, family oriented, God-fearing, adventurous, and funny. And hopefully, someone who’ll look like her all-time-crush Josh Harnett.

There are only so many things we can tell you about this lovely lady. But here’s what you should know. Only once will you taste the sweet scent of air. Only once will you find a personality that is as white as snow. A beauty as compelling as that of Aphrodite, and a face as smooth as silk.  Likewise, only once will you get to meet, Maristella Ang Ricaborda. 

Written by: 

Clement Fajardo