The Goddess Bride

Published in Manila Bulletin, About Weddings, 2007

Words by Geolette Esguerra

“We ascribe beauty to that which is simple; which has no superfluous parts; which exactly answers its end; which stands related to all things; which is the mean of many extremes.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have a theory in which I believe all wedding fantasies have a common thread– we all wish to be radiant, fresh, and luminous brides. We aspire to be goddesses as we come out of our carriage, possibly an apparition worthy of gasps and “wows” as we walk down the aisle. It’s not rocket science but I’m certain that we all want to be beautiful. Mind you, not just pretty, but gorgeous, enchanting all our guests and ultimately, our husband-to-be.

Now being beauty is not something you can achieve overnight. Sure, you can slather on moisturizer the night before and pile on make-up on the big day to cover all your secrets, but then, you run the risk of not having your relatives recognize you with all your face paint. The process of being beautiful takes time and effort. The process of transforming into a radiant, blushing bride requires ample planning and discipline.

Needless to say, being effortlessly beautiful is, in truth, a lot of work. And all this work must start long before you book the florist and even before you receive the first RSVP. This step involves the body’s largest organ, your shield from the outside world and ultimately the most abused part of our body – your skin.

Skin talk

Some are luckier than others. We always know of people who have clear, pore-less, porcelain skin; those who tell us that they use only soap and have never tried using moisturizers. Those brides have it good, because they can spend their pre-wedding time stressing over other things. For the less-fortunate goddesses, we troop to the dermatologist. Though some may prefer the services of a cosmetologist, or some may prefer to just use over-the-counter skincare products, consulting your dermatologist about specific issues such as adult acne, rosacea, blemishes, freckles and other discolorations would ensure your safety if treatments will be required.

But no matter what your skin type, be it normal, combination, oily or sensitive, nothing beats a diligent cleansing ritual for perfect skin. This cleanse-tone-moisturize-protect procedure should suit your skin type and may occasionally include exfoliants, scrubs and other specific treatments if needed.

Caring for your skin in preparation for the big day need not always be topical. In fact, a more effective way to purify your skin is through eliminating free radicals from your body. Smoking, drinking, excessive sunlight, pollution, all these things contribute to the deterioration of the skin so the more effort you take to stay away from them, the more radiant your skin will be. Do try to get adequate sleep, and try to get some shut eye from 11pm to 3am as this is when the body regenerates.

Hair Beware

Part of the dream package usually includes long silky tresses with colors from midnight black to chocolate brown. Cliches aside, your mane is instrumental in creating a look that is uniquely yours for your wedding. But before you start deciding if you want curls or pin-straight hair, take a good look at your strands up close and see if your locks need extra pampering. More often than not, you will rarely have had your hair treated, thinking that shampoo and conditioner is enough to take care of your hair. What you may not realize is that your hair is also exposed to pollutants, and is subject to dryness resulting from changes in weather.

With that in place, you can now plan your hairstyle, including the possible treatments or procedures required. Darling, your options are endless. You can have your hair dyed (to any imaginable color), add hair extensions, have it thermal reconditioned, or you could opt for thermal curls. Of course, you also have the choice of just ironing or curling your hair on the big day itself, but many brides now prefer to have these procedures permanent, perhaps as a personal marker as you go beyond the single life.

For a hair-free, smooth skin, it is best to have all the hair removed 3-6 weeks before the big day to make sure that your skin would have healed by then, and the stubs won’t appear prematurely. Don’t forget to work on your brows, as they can work wonders for your face. Some actually underestimate the power of well-shaped brows, thinking that the make-up artist can just fix it the next day. Have a brow expert assess your face and features for them to suggest the best brow shape for you. And finally, for that goddess pucker, bleach, wax or use any depilatory product on your upper lip hair to eliminate the whisker.

Hot Bath

For the final touches, give yourself a long hot bath as you get ready for your grand entrance. Light your bath with vanilla or lavender aromatherapy candles and prepare for a long soak in the tub covered in petals and bath salts. Breathe, relax, and meditate on what will transpire in the next few hours. Cleanse your aura and think only of serene thoughts as you get ready.

After your bath, cover your body in moisturizer, bath oils and perfume to reinforce your scent. This should, of course, complement the flowers you chose to decorate the area for the wedding ceremony and the reception.

The Blushing Bride

And now, it’s all about you, the blushing bride. All eyes are on you as you walk down the path of rose petals to the aisle. Aren’t you glad you made sure your skin is glowing, that your hair is so healthy that it has bounce and real shine, that your aura radiates a certain peace that people just stare at you in awe?

Well done beautiful!

Goddess make-up tips:

1. If you suddenly get a zit, don’t pop! Instead ask your makeup artist to use a spot concealer and don’t forget to put loose powder on top of it to seal it.

2. For dark undereye spots caused by pre-wedding jitters, use an area concealer and blend this with your foundation. Look up while this is being applied to ensure that the concealer won’t settle in the fine lines in your eyes.

3. Use a lipliner to keep your lipstick from feathering and bleeding.

4. Carry a mini-makeup case that has the basics: blotting powder for retouch, a small version of your lipstick and a small vial of your perfume.

5. Instead of using tissue, carry blotting paper to take away the shine.

6. Spritz on rose water, deepsea water or Evian to keep your face fresh throughout the reception.

Sunflower Day Camp’s ‘Sa Panaginip Nalang’ Music Video

This was my first makeup and styling job for ISK. That was last year — around April and May. I had to pull-out from DASH, My Boyfriend’s Closet, EWS, and other sources; iron some of the clothes at 5am; and rely on my masking to tape to figure out the names of the band. Awesome stuff.

Artist: Sunflower Day Camp
Director: Zig Marasigan
Assistant Director: Nicolo Reyes
Director of Photography: Pong Ignacio
Production Designer: Cris Silva
Editor: Maui Mauricio
Production Manager: Anna Go
Makeup Artist/Stylist: Geolette Esguerra

W@W: Wedding Essentials

From http://www.weddingsatwork.com

Wedding Essentials {WE}
Jan-Jun 2007 issue – volume 3 number 1

Wedding Essentials {WE} is back and better than ever with its fifth issue now available in stores nationwide! This year, the creative minds behind WE Magazine are brining readers its thickest issue with 280-plus pages (30-plus more than the last one) filled with articles on real brides, stunning reception locations, breathtaking wedding gowns and dozens of new features.

Plus, it’s a veritable cornucopia for the eyes as {WE} explores the wonderful world of COLOR, the central theme for the fifth issue. Are you a passionate red? Or a classic white? How about a vibrant orange? Or a sophisticated lavender? Discover your true colors in {WE}’s “Finding Your Color Personality.” Then check out {WE}’s reception set-ups in this issues “Dream Theme Weddings.” From the cool climes of Baguio’s Camp John Hay Manor to the opulent splendor of EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, and the Spanish-Mediterranean ambience of Spendido Taal, {WE}’ve got beautiful reception arrangements created by some of the most talented event stylists and suppliers in the Philippines.

And that’s not all. {WE} gives you an exclusive Monique Lhuillier special featuring a staggering 32 wedding gowns from the designer’s own bridal and evening gown collection. The internationally-renowned Filipina recently held a Gala Benefit Dinner and Fashion Show at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel for the benefit of Asia Society and Bantay Bata’s 163 Foundation-and if that’s not enough to satisfy your fashion cravings, {WE} also offers two new fashion editorials shot on location in Baguio City and The Greenery in Bulacan, two of the country’s rapidly emerging destination wedding venues.

But wait, there’s more. In addition to old favorites, {WE} also introduces a new feature this year with “Merge,” a home and lifestyle article covering the efforts of one real-life, soon-to-wed couple who try to ‘merge’ their different quirks and responsibilities as they prepare to move into a new home. Helping the couple along is Arch. Geolette Esguerra of the prestigious firm Periquet and Galica, who ably takes on the task of designing a master bedroom fit for his and her lifestyle.

Looking for beauty tips and new ideas? Don’t panic with {WE}’s “Fast Fixes,” fashion and beauty tips straight from the experts. Read on as {WE} give you real bride makeovers, an article on plus-size brides and many more exciting features.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices out there? {WE}’ll give you a couple of good reasons “Why You Need A Wedding Planner.” Finding it difficult to be part of the family? Take our advice in “How Not To Be An Outlaw to Your In-Laws.” Are women always in charge of the wedding? Not anymore in “Leave It To Your Groom” which follows the experience of three resourceful grooms as they take the reins on the wedding plans and proves to everyone’s it’s not just a woman’s job anymore.

All these and more await readers in Wedding Essentials Issue 5! Available now in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide. Hurry and grab a copy today!

Wedding Essentials magazine is available at all bookstores, the Wedding Library (SM Megamall, North EDSA, Mall of Asia), and magazine stands.

Casa Periquet: Creating Furniture of Nuance and Memory

Published in Manila Bulletin 2006

By Geolette Esguerra

We need objects to remind us of the commitments we’ve made. That carpet from Morocco reminds us of the impulsive, freedom-loving side of ourselves we’re in danger of losing touch with. Beautiful furniture gives us something to live up to. All designed objects are propaganda for a way of life. -Alain de Botton

Much of marriage exists on the intangible – love, fidelity, loyalty, devotion; the entire sacrament rests on promises of eternity, supplemented only by technicalities in paper. For marriage to bear greater weight, we rely on symbols which represent virtues deemed requisite for a blissful union. Coins, veils, cords, and candles are taken not only in the hope that they will bring luck, but in faith that these symbols can strengthen the bonds of matrimony.

For many, the true testament to a relationship is the home. As married life is subject to hurdles and bumps along the way, what holds together a couple who have long forgotten their vows is the sanctuary they call home. In a house filled with objects, we unconsciously create nooks and crannies of memory, those we retreat to when the need arises. In choosing the objects that shape our space, we ponder: do we want our furniture to be fashionable, stylish, and popular? Or, like marriage, do we seek stability, integrity and fidelity?

As young couples seek pieces symbolic of their life together, they turn to tangible pieces they can pass on to future generations. Furniture, akin to marriage, should be built on sound structure and firm foundations. In the furniture design studio Casa Periquet, furniture is perceived as a lifelong companion, one whose value grows over the years. The studio specializes in custom-made pieces, rather than mass-produced items, with each piece tailored to fit the specific needs of a client. Tina Periquet, the notable principal of the leading design firm Periquet Galicia Inc., is also the designer behind Casa Periquet. A product of Pratt Institute and Assumption College, Ms. Periquet seeks to mold and sculpt space instead of adding mere ornamentation, and is greatly sensitive to the inherent properties of the materials she uses in designing furniture that is faithful to the true nature of the material.

Casa Periquet is not only a design atelier; it is also a laboratory where innovation in design is cultivated by the constant exploration and testing of new ideas. The firm is built on a foundation of old-fashioned values such as integrity, structure of design, expressive detailing, harmony of proportion, and pride in one’s work. The firm deems itself a respectful heir and custodian of the tradition of furniture craft and, in turn, employs the highest standards of excellence, passion, and professionalism in the designing, purchasing, inspection, and delivery of furniture.

Designer Furniture

Each furniture piece is designed in a holistic manner, one in which all aspects of the piece is studied. Ms. Periquet designs from a perspective in which each furniture piece is a building in miniature – crafting a chair in the same manner in which an architect designs a house. Great importance is given to the quality of furniture, as the pieces are designed with structure, materials, and finishing in mind. Casa Periquet makes use of traditional joinery such as the dovetail, mortise-and-tendon, and tongue-and-groove joints, rather using hardware like nails and screws. High quality furniture-grade reclaimed wood is almost exclusively used for furniture pieces, exposing the wood’s natural beauty through the application of transparent sealers and hand-rubbed oil-based finish. Instead of the widely practiced method of encasing pieces in varnish to hide the imperfections, this celebration of the material allows the inherent beauty of wood to express itself.

The Isabella lattice chair was designed for a client in the United States who required a flexible, unadorned dining chair. After going through seven prototypes, the chair achieved its final form, demonstrating ingenuity in the removable backrest that allows for ease of transport, as well as the ability to change the lattice panel design whenever desired. Like the ventanilla, the lattice backrest allows light and air through while creating an interesting pattern of light. Its beauty lies in the flexibility of the design and the simplicity of the lines of the lattice back, accommodating a play of light and shadow.

A piece reminiscent of our childhood, the Gallenera is a contemporary take on the traditional receiving bench used to keep fighting cocks and poultry gathered, in place of cash, for the landlord. The Casa Periquet version of the gallenera makes use of modern lines, evoking quiet strength in its simplicity.

Quality over quantity

To couples starting out, the acquisition of furniture comes slowly, enhanced by apprehension due to the cost. In reality however, you get what you pay for. Mass-produced items produced by the hundreds may not be able to withstand the wear and tear that furniture is frequently subject to. Couples should not only consider the price tag, but should also think of furniture pieces as long term investments. What little you save in purchasing a bed will reflect in your future finances when you need to have it replaced.

In the end, a house should be filled with meaningful objects, those whose characteristics reflect the personalities of the inhabitants. A home filled with loving individuals creates exquisite nuances and memories, and a home with furniture built to last speaks highly of the beautiful relationships within.

Casa Periquet is located at 308 Third Floor Narra Building, 2276 Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati City, 1200. For inquiries or appointments, the studio may be reached at: (632)8102315 (landline) or (63992) 8736787 (mobile) or (63917)8736787, or at email@casaperiquet.com.

http://www.casaperiquet.com/

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