Ah! The beautiful City of Lights in all the glory of her sophistication. Watch this video for a better look of the golden era of fashion.
Author: thepinupgirlmanila
Ballet Manila: Spectacular in Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang
Like the beloved Mother Goose, there is Lola Basyang. With her magical tales of princesses, beautiful birds, evil step sisters, and even dancing snakes. As a child, I had my own book of Lola Basyang and her magical tales. One of my favorites were “Maria Alimango”. A similar tale to “Cinderella”. I love these tales because they were truly Filipino. As children’s imagination fade throughout the years, it’s difficult to hold on to that magic of the tales of Lola Basyang. But Ballet Manila has done the greatest deed of continuing to share this magic to the generation of today.
Their 20th season opens with “Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang”. One of five productions of their theme “From Page to Stage”. Translating the beloved children’s tales such as “Pinnocchio” and “Hansel and Gretel”. Ballet Manila translated three favorite tales: “Ang Prinsipe na mga Ibon”, “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Mariya”, and “Ang Mahiwagang Byulin”.
These performances was beautiful. Full of unexpected surprises (a neon snake AND flying birds!?) From the costumes, the sets and of course the talented dancers, this production was without a doubt spectacular.The audience were filled with girls and boys of all ages. And each surprise lead the crowd to “ooos and ahhhs”. Ballet Manila has combined the art of dance and theatre; bringing life straight out of the pages.
I loved it so much, I returned for the last performance with my younger sister and brother. My brother, a 10 year old car fanatic, rated it 11 out of 10. If that’s not enough proof for you of how great this show was, then I don’t know what is.
Ballet Manila you’ve done it again!
Thank you to Ms. Lisa Macuja for the generous invite!
How Women’s Magazines are just as Dirty as Men’s; my Vintage Nugget Magazine
We all know Playboy. Playboy fueled the everyday man’s fantasy, lifestyle and let’s say…inspiration. Their famous centerfolds from aspiring models, famous women and rising stars. To men’s tips on the perfect golf swig and the right color tie to bring out your masculinity.
Society views Playboy as sexualizing women. Opinions are made where men’s reading material is known to be dirty, vulgar and disrespectful. Even towards the women who choose to pose in those nudie spreads receive shame from the conservative. However, I see no difference with women’s magazines. Women’s magazines can be just as dirty, with countless ‘advice’ columns on how to reach an orgasm and those ‘confessions’ famous in Cosmopolitan, and even to the women gracing the covers in a sexual manner. But how come those women don’t receive shame, rather praise? Women sexualize men just as they do in Playboy. We spread men on our centerfolds with nothing but a pair of jeans or undies. (not complaining)
Of course, Playboy isn’t the only magazine that carry this kind of content. There are countless titles from FHM, Maxim, Nuts, GQ, Esquire.…And for the women? Cosmopolitan, In Style, Glamour, Marie Claire, and even Women’s Health…more, I know there is more. So, women are just as dirty as men making it a fair game. Today we see the progress in women’s magazines becoming equal to that of men’s. But it is not enough, there is still the stigma of being overtly sexual as a woman. There is a misconception of today’s feminist that stand against these ‘dirty men’s magazines’, but they tend to forget that we too expose the men. So, why do we see them differently?
Before the epic 1953 launch of Playboy making sex mainstream, popular pornographic material was kept underground. Society liked to keep things secret. Owning such material was considered dirty, like a fetish of some sort. We also have to look at how mid-century women’s magazines were pre-women’s lib. Articles strictly stuck to keeping house, matching your drapes to the perfect foyer and the recipe to Susie’s favorite chocolate chip cookies. You won’t find Jenny, 23 from Makati with her confession of a quickie with Tom in the janitor’s closet. And that defines the difference as to why we view these sexual magazines as taboo.
Like I said Playboy wasn’t the only dirty magazine. My friend Adi got me something amazing for my birthday. He found a 1957 issue of Nugget Magazine at an antique store in Quezon City. A little frail around the edges and the seam, which I saved by enclosing in a plastic cover. The colors of the pages are still as vibrant as it would be when it was orignally published. Nugget was one of those wannabe Playboys. It’s basically the poor man’s Playboy. Articles are bland, from fantasy stories about women, to how to cook a perfect steak. Their centerfolds aren’t exactly the top of the list either. Mostly unknowns, these women are much more vulgar (for a 1957 issue that is). The photography seems to be shot by an amateur, but nevertheless the women are beautiful. Illustrations full of cheeky jokes, and many many photos of women and their assets.
Featured is Joy Harmon, best known for her infamous car wash scene from “Cool Hand Luke” (Starring Paul Newman). This scene launched the iconic sexiness of washing a car!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veCZvM6-okQ
For me, this is a special rare find. Nugget was unknown to me and it still is. I literally could not find anything online besides former covers on Google Images. There seems to be no website, or even a Wikipedia page. If anyone does find something please let me know I would love to learn more about this publication! Owning this magazine is one of the greatest gifts I have received. Being able to gaze through the dated articles and detailed editorials let’s me be in 1957 from a man’s perspective. It gives an authentic idea of how times have definitely changed.
Thank you Adi!
Impact Hub Manila: Wait, why did I even start my blog? Listening to inspiration.
Last Monday, I was graced with an invitation to Hubblogathon hosted by Impact Hub Manila. Hubblogathon was a day where 20+ bloggers gathered together to share their ideas, listen to experienced bloggers and talk with local entrepreneurs who began their businesses with a cause.
Since I am still new to the blogging community it was a perfect experience being able to go beyond my expertise. Meeting writers from all kinds of genres from beauty, travel, urban lifestyle, health, HIV awarness and the LGBT community, and even to cancer awarness. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated being the only fashion blogger. It’s easy to see a fashion blog as superficial, and that is why I am so thankful for going to this event. I was able to bring back the roots as to why I even started this blog. Being inspired by these other bloggers, and the entrepreneurs that I met gave me a clearer vision to the purpose of my writings. You see, never in my life did I ever think I would start a fashion blog. I began this blog because I have always loved to write. I began this blog because I have always loved to share my thoughts. I began this blog because I wanted to make a change.
Hubblogathon brought several guests to talk about their organizations that benefit the people. From BamBike, Hope In a Bottle, Mom’s Hause of Mushroom, and KKK Coffee among others. Inspiring to see that from the beginning each of these organizations/companies were driven to make an impact on the community.
It just so happens that my love for vintage fashion and the pin-up culture became acknowledged through Instagram and one little article on Buzzfeed. People started to notice and I began taking credit. It gave me the confidence to share my knowledge to those who are unaware of how great the pin-up culture really is. I want people to understand how the popularity of the modern day pin-up is playing a role in today’s feminist society. There is a large role of feminism in pin-up culture today; going from body confidence, equality, freedom of expression and so-on. What I’ve learned from Impact Hub Manila is just how important and powerful a blog can be. Even if I reach a small number of readers, those readers are enough for me to be happy that I have been heard. I’ve always wanted to advocate certain aspects of the women in the Philippines. Coming from a country full of corruption, poverty and inequality it can be very difficult for women to understand the importance of gender role.
The event made me push the reset button, and now I am fully inspired and have been brought back to the root of my blog in reaching my goal of showing how pin-up models and the women and men who are into “old fashioned cars, red lipstick, posing in a swimsuit and wear really old clothes” are actually really great role models. I wish to bring this sense of positivity to all women in the Philippines. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to curl your hair, wear a petticoat all day and do your makeup for 30 minutes. That is just a great added factor to being a woman! My future writings will continue to emphasize on fashion, style, vintage videos, movies and inspirations. But, now my writings will be full of new valuable content spanning from social impact, environmental change, and women empowerment. Look forward to many collaborations, exclusives and open forums!
I hope you continue with me on this blog not only for the beautiful dresses and old Hollywood starlets, but to understand and get an insight as to why I love this culture so much. I want to thank Impact Hub Manila for the great experience, and for all of you who are interested in social and environmental impact, entreprenureal ideas and guidance, or would just love to become a member for co-working check out on Impacthub.ph .Each month they invite many business leaders to give talks where you can come in for FREE and listen in on their journey. Talks such as “Fuck Up Nights” where you learn from failed businesses to what they can achieve, to “Nailed It Nights” a talk on sucessful startups. Just check out their Facebook or website for updates on these events.
Ballet Manila Goes to Hong Kong! Join the exclusive preview
Almost every little girl was put into some kind of activity by their mother’s. Ballet, gymnastics, ice skating. Mine was ballet, yet despite most little girls who were forced to join such an activity hated it as they grew up, I ended up loving it. These two photos are from my first ever ballet recital and I was four years old. My mom had a thing for curls because she was so inspired by Shirley Temple. It wasn’t just ballet it was also tap. I did this until I was 14 (the age I moved to the Philippines). I was on pointe by that time for two years and my feet were at it’s breaking point. *pun intended*
Sadly, from the pain I could not bare (I have so much respect for those ballerinas who continue), and moving to a new country I had to stop my dancing career. If you can call it that.
But having to stop dancing doesn’t mean I can’t stop loving it. I am so lucky to be invited once again by Ballet Manila to their preview of “Flight”. This concert showcases the company’s entry to the Asia Grand Prix International Ballet Competition to be hosted in Hong Kong. Performances such as “Don Quixote”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” will be performed.
“Two nights, two completely different programs.The back-to-back concert will showcase the best of Ballet Manila and highlight the skill and artistry of all the dancers-competitors. I am truly proud of the year’s competitors; keeping my fingers cross that we will do well this year.” says Liza Macjua-Elizalde, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Manila. (Check out my one-on-one with Philippine’s Prima ballerina!)
Having met many of Ballet Manila’s dancers, choreographers and crew I can surely say that we have a fighting chance at this years competition. They will make our country proud with their passion, hardwork and love of performance.
The concert is divided into two nights “Flight 1″ (July 31) and Fight 2” (August 1) both at 8PM. The venue is at Ballet Manila’s home theatre Star Theatre alongside CCP.
Buy your tickets now and bring your girlfriends, mother, grandmother, little sister/brother, or even drag along your boyfriend for a wonderful date night. I brought my boyfriend last time and he surprisingly enjoyed himeself. You just never know.
I’ll be at this Saturday’s performance with my best friend Sasja followed by dinner and drinks, so if you do decide to come (which you will) say hi to me!
i
Las Vegas Vintage Shopping
Vegas is one of the best city’s for vintage finds. The glamour of Vegas 1960s still lingers in the air. The feel of the Rat Pack drinking their whisky and Elvis singing his heart out. The desert heat, the new money and eccentric personalities all make Vegas the sin of all cities. Main St. is this amazing boulevard of shops. So many pinup shops full of beautiful gowns and unique clothing straight from mid-century. 
When shopping in vintage stores you really have to be patient and really go treasure hunting. I found myself a few nylon scarves. I spent a good 2 hours lingering between shops. Stumbling upon old issues of Time magazine, vinyl records, posters, white gloves, trinkets from all over.
Retro Vegas had the best collection of authentic mid-century furniture. I wanted to buy everything! 
Not everything stays in Vegas.
Happy Hollywood Hiking: Trail from the Griffith Observatory
Nothing beats a trail with one of your good friends. Brisk walk uphill after a picnic is the perfect way to end your day. Not to mention, the wonderful Griffith Observatory! (Rebel Without a Cause anyone?)
Love you LA!
Hell Bunny Red and Black Sailor Dress
Loving Marilyn Monroe: Visit at Westwood Memorial Park
I can say that I have finally gone to visit Marilyn. I’ve been a huge fan of her’s since I was probably about 7. Living in Los Angeles for 16 years I have neglected ever visitng her resting place, and now that I came back for a visit I finally took the opportunity to see her.
Westwood Memorial is a small place surrounded by coorperate buildings. A small place where you can see the past meets the future. We even got a little lost trying to find Westwood Memorial, but when we did it was the most peaceful, serene area of LA I have been to. Marilyn is surrounded by many of Hollywood’s greatest such as her friends Dean Martin, writer Billy Wyilder (The 7 Year Itch and Some Like It Hot), her co-star Jack Lemmon (Some Like It Hot), Peggy Lee and Natalie Wood amongst others.
Her headstone is simple, baring just her name and the short 36 years of her life. The stones have changed color from the millions of visitors from the past years of leaving a trademark kiss.
I got to even meet Rachel Bailit, an actress who was filming for her channel “Diary of an Actress”. An amazing place to meet new people!
It was surreal to be there and I am so happy I took the chance to visit.
The San Francisco Adventure
I took a solo trip up to San Francisco to be with one of my best friends Adam for a few days. As someone who is originally from Los Angeles, SF can be very different in small ways. The weather is cooler, people can be somewhat friendlier and the surroundings of the city are very laid-back. And with happy hour starting at 2pm with $4 beers on tap there is nothing to complain about.
After a commute on the Bart into the city, Adam and I took that San Francisco happy hour to our advantage. A small pizza shop right in the heart of San Francisco (where possibly Frank Sinatra left his) we chugged on a pint of Guiness and IPA. Surrounded by the modern art deco buildings it made a perfect lunch.
We decided to walk throughout the day. All the way to Fisherman’s Warf. That’s about 6 miles across town, but it makes for a great adventure. Leading us into book shops, vintage stores, and giving us the opportunity to take in some of the street art. Walking is always the best way to go through any city.
I scored two book club editions of Fiztgerald novels, The Great Gatsby and Tender s the Night, for just $15. As we made our way through the chilly streets towards Fisherman’s Warf we stopped along a few more bars until our destination.
Finaly, upon our arrival I enjoyed a mandatory meal of clam chowder with the view of Alcatraz. Perfect way to end a long walk. A very long walk. The fog crept its way towards the city and the gloomy skies couldn’t be anymore eerie. I loved it. And I am so glad with my outfit choice! Layers upon layers. It’s strange to be so dressed up in California, but with San Francisco you can bring out the trench coat even in Spring.
We took the famous cable cars heading back up, and by night fall the fog brought in the mist. It was such a good day. Thank you Adam for bringing me around, and I definietly miss you.
(OH, and we took a road trip back down to LA!)
Goodnight Scherisse ❤ One of the best trips so far!!!
The Pin-up Girl Manila 