Unsa’y Cheka Sa Parlor · 2026-08-28 · 1h 57m
Key moments - from our scoring
Substance score
25 / 100
Five dimensions, 20 points each
This anniversary episode features an in-depth conversation with Carrie Santiago, widely regarded as a master couturier and icon in Philippine fashion. The episode centers on Santiago's personal origin story and early career development. Santiago grew up as the youngest of six children in a humble household where her mother worked as a seamstress (sastray), instilling in her both practical sewing skills and an artistic sensibility shaped by fashion magazines and celebrity biographies. Her father, a military officer, emphasized discipline and self-respect. From age 15, Santiago worked in RTW (ready-to-wear) companies including roles with designer Nikki Cordua, developing her sketching and design capabilities. The conversation explores how her ambition to cross the Mactan Channel - a childhood dream symbolizing escape from her circumstances - drove her forward, and how mentorship from figures like Dr. Belinda Panares provided crucial emotional anchoring. Santiago discusses her later work as a ghost designer in the Middle East, compensated financially but emotionally unfulfilled until establishing her own atelier with support from collaborators like Romero Vergara. The episode emphasizes that success in fashion design requires deliberate work, not shortcuts, and is deeply shaped by inspiration from reading biographies of accomplished figures like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Cary Grant (after whom she was named).
Carrie Santiago is a Filipino master couturier and iconic fashion designer who started in RTW companies at age 15, worked with designer Nikki Cordua in her late teens, spent time as a ghost designer in Dubai, and eventually established her own atelier in Cebu.
Santiago was inspired by her mother who worked as a seamstress, by reading fashion magazines and biographies of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, and by her childhood dream of crossing the Mactan Channel to escape her humble circumstances.
Santiago began assisting her mother with sewing at a young age, then at 15 found work at a boutique called Chen Chen Collection on Puromanagday Street, where she learned to sketch and design for an RTW company.
Santiago worked as a ghost designer in Dubai for an Iraqi-Canadian couple who opened an atelier, creating designs under their name while being financially well-compensated but emotionally unfulfilled.
Key mentors like Dr. Belinda Panares provided crucial emotional support and belief in Santiago's potential; Panares told her at age 18 that she saw a future in her, words that became a lifelong source of inspiration and determination.
Our reviewer’s read on each dimension, with quotes from the episode.
The episode is overwhelmingly a celebrity biographical interview, with the vast majority of runtime consumed by personal anecdotes, anniversary celebration filler, and name-dropping. The few business-adjacent observations (trust with clients, relationship-building) are surface-level and never developed into actionable frameworks a B2B operator could apply.
You just have to do good things. Because when you do good things, it's a karma.
Happy second anniversary. Chaka Dings.
Every piece of professional advice is a recycled platitude: trust, honesty, hard work, resilience after heartbreak. There is no contrarian argument, no first-principles reasoning about the fashion business or entrepreneurship, and no counterintuitive claim anywhere in the transcript.
I think the virtue of honesty. Because once you have that one. Everything else follows.
Success for me, it was not given to me in a silver platter because I did not come from a rich family.
Carrie Santiago is a genuine high-caliber practitioner with decades of luxury couture experience across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut, and a documented client roster of internationally recognised celebrities. The credentials are real, but the interview format squanders them entirely on biographical narrative rather than professional craft or business learning.
She wore me at Oscars, at the Golden Globe Awards, at the, um, Venice Film Festival.
I dress, um, Beyonce, Noel Progress, Katie Perry in one video.
The episode does contain isolated specifics - named clients, geographic timelines, and a handful of figures - but these serve celebrity storytelling rather than business evidence. The numbers that exist are too scattered and anecdotal to constitute a meaningful evidentiary base for a B2B learner.
One song of ate is 500 000.
I have painted over a hundred paint. I think that's what earned more than being a designer.
The hosts are starstruck admirers who ask loose, often incomplete biographical prompts with no follow-through, zero pushback on any claim, and no probing into business mechanics, pricing, operations, or creative process. Questions frequently trail off mid-sentence and the conversation drifts without discipline.
So that pain actually turned into.
So obviously female celebrities. Biggest celebrity.
Computed from the transcript - who did the talking, and the words that came up most.
TWO YEARS OF UCSP! August 27 marks 2 years of Unsa’y Cheka Sa Parlor! Two years of stories, laughter, lagubs, controversial takes, unforgettable guests, and countless moments shared with our amazing Chekadings. What started as a simple idea has grown into a community, a platform, and a little parlor that continues to make noise. ️And what better way to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary than by welcoming a guest we’ve been dreaming of having on UCSP… THE MASTER COUTURIER - CARY SANTIAGO For this very special episode, we sit down with one of the most celebrated names in Philippine fashion and take a journey through the story behind the artistry.From her beginnings and the challenges along the way, to developing her signature craft and becoming known as The Master Couturier, Cary Santiago shares the experiences, sacrifices, creativity, and passion that shaped her extraordinary journey in fashion.
Transcribed and scored by The B2B Podcast Index.
Speaker A: Oh my God. Ucsp.
Speaker B: Hi Beth. Uh, anniversary. Happy second anniversary. Chaka Dings.
Speaker C: Happy second anniversary. Two years
Speaker B: topics.
Speaker C: Thank God.
Speaker B: Thank God. And I would like to announce that this is going to be our last season. More seasons to come back.
Speaker C: Today is August and then this is the first time. Uh, first. Uh, this is the day now podcast.
Speaker B: Yeah but we started in our living room.
Speaker C: Started in the living room and in
Speaker A: your living room
Speaker B: and all because we want to have the confidence because at first Awkward.
Speaker C: Awkward and everything. So karma energy.
Speaker B: Have you even watched our first episode of pilot episode?
Speaker A: I've watched Spotify.
Speaker B: Uh,
Speaker C: I always mention this. Uh, However of course it should be consistent on the things that we say.
Speaker A: Uh, so I will review.
Speaker C: But however at least I think it's normal.
Speaker B: We have uploaded more than 80 episodes on both YouTube and Spotify and even on Apple podcasts. So I think it's pretty normal.
Speaker C: Exactly. And then and we would really really, really um, extend our thank you and our gratitude to every check a Dings every the day one supporter up to now. The new. The new supporters. The one that just click click just now I don't know who watch us in YouTube and who um, supported us along the way. Gave comment um emojis. Positive negative comments. Thank you so much.
Speaker B: Thank you so much. But without you guys top six top fourth maybe on Spotify charts.
Speaker A: Correct.
Speaker B: The only Cebuano podcast.
Speaker C: Podcast. The only Cebuano podcast. Uh and I'm really really proud of it actually. Huh. So and then podcast we would like
Speaker B: to encourage everyone encourage everyone to do it. But let's talk about that later.
Speaker C: Anyway, um, last week was a nice one.
Speaker B: My God, I hope
Speaker C: message.
Speaker B: Don't worry.
Speaker C: We'll call you guys back and greet out soon.
Speaker B: And since phone numbers. Well we'll use your phone numbers for.
Speaker C: We'll use your phone numbers for GCASH Constructions.
Speaker B: By the way this is live and
Speaker C: this is Shane and you're listening to
Speaker B: UCSP and Sichak Supporter Season 5. Your favorite Cebu queer duo.
Speaker C: Here to stay and ah, here for more.
Speaker B: Uh, second year. Oh my God Vash.
Speaker C: Second year. Second year.
Speaker B: Two years. Um, I would really want to
Speaker A: but
Speaker B: this has been my wish list kid Season one. We've m. Made it.
Speaker C: And then um. Of course um, you witnessed M. Our first August starts August 1st. Um, was of course the former mayor attorney Raymond Alvin Neri Garcia.
Speaker B: Thank you so much.
Speaker C: Uh, thank you for that. Thank you so much. Msk. Thank you so Carolyn Bash Kanisha. Um, it was a koan. It was um. I am very very proud and very Kind of honored because I reached out to, um, ask her if you want to guest. Because the nice thing about what she said to me, um, I want to guess in which, ah,
Speaker B: Show which is now
Speaker C: remembers. And then when the time comes, who's the perfect person to ask to guest in our podcast and actually check a ding.
Speaker B: August 27th is really our anniversary.
Speaker C: Yes.
Speaker B: Ours really aligned.
Speaker D: Yes.
Speaker C: And then 27 was on Thursday.
Speaker B: Thursday, perfect
Speaker C: anniversary. And then, yes. Jude Shepherd.
Speaker A: This
Speaker C: like, as in she's preparing for something big this September, and then we're going to ask her about that. So honestly,
Speaker B: actually, I couldn't even believe even during this makeup room earlier. So we'd like to introduce.
Speaker C: We would like to introduce to you, as in, our very, very cool and special guest, the master couture. Uh, the icon.
Speaker B: The legendary.
Speaker C: I consider her the icon. M. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to UCS Music.
Speaker A: Check us apart.
Speaker B: Carrie Santiago, the one and only.
Speaker A: Happy anniversary to both of you. Thank you, mommy. Really an honor to be here, actually.
Speaker B: Uh,
Speaker C: Number one, um, context. Why, um, why
Speaker B: we.
Speaker C: We started Hong Kong.
Speaker D: It was our first time.
Speaker C: That was the first time. And then Kuansha.
Speaker D: It was intimidating.
Speaker A: Are you. Are you intimidating?
Speaker B: Are you even aware that you're m. Happy? Um.
Speaker C: Um.
Speaker D: Well, a lot of people is the word. Is he last? Actually, you know, especially to those Nakabalu where I start. How I. You know, where I come from.
Speaker A: Hilasan.
Speaker B: Good.
Speaker A: But I think it's the cheekbones. Doc Fremont, if you're listening, I think it's the cheekbones, the. My m. Facial.
Speaker C: Facial feature.
Speaker D: And then have thin lips. And then. I am a nice person.
Speaker C: I vouch. I vouch for it. Number one, it's because, um, Hong Kong, of course I was intimidated. I was starstruck. Said
Speaker A: so.
Speaker D: That was also, uh, a long trip. It was a comfortable one, but Mura gido ka maguato. It was late in the evening. I think I was with Misty and baby toy at the time.
Speaker C: And then
Speaker D: you had anupa, uh, kanamungapa napaleh.
Speaker A: So. But I felt special.
Speaker D: That's how they treated me there. Well, like a celebrity in Hong Kong. So people were looking at us.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker B: Because you are a celebrity. Well, I'm not even gonna realize, Mommy. You are. You're an icon.
Speaker A: Especially when you're in Hong Kong in the international airport. So that's why.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker B: International.
Speaker C: First time together, and then we end up talking until 5am in the morning. Yes. It was so nice talking to her with feelings.
Speaker B: With feelings.
Speaker D: Well, I don't edit.
Speaker B: Yeah, that's I want to know what you guys talk about.
Speaker C: Uh, because, um, let's start with the. Let's start with your humble beginnings.
Speaker B: Your early life as Cary Santiago. Or before we kind of explain the Carrie Santiago. Yes.
Speaker D: So Tana Nakong interview. You know, I want my life to be an inspiration to young designers that even if you started with nothing, you can achieve whoever you want to be. To dream is. Is free.
Speaker C: Yeah.
Speaker D: Uh, but you have to work for it.
Speaker A: So Ako Satanakung interview.
Speaker D: Have been interviewed several times. Especially because I'm not a good public speaker. I am at my best when it is. I'm at my best in my. With my best elements. But in any way.
Speaker A: Um, yeah, I started the.
Speaker D: I started young making clothes. But parents. My mom is a sastary.
Speaker A: So simple growing up.
Speaker D: I'm the youngest of six, but I'm the most ambitious. The six other siblings were simple. They're just happy to be here and there working here. I want to uplift our M because
Speaker C: maybe
Speaker D: I read a lot of books. Collects, um, Reader's uh, Digest. I can remember because he was a law student when he was in his younger age. So Naami Anna. He reads books. So it was a combination of that I read, you know, the.
Speaker C: Yeah.
Speaker D: Duder's Digestion. Yeah.
Speaker A: So m. Simple.
Speaker D: It came from a humble beginning.
Speaker B: Your father was in the military. Um, was it easy, you know, Come out, mommy.
Speaker D: At that time, it was never difficult for me. I was just myself my father, because we seldom see him because he is stationed here and there military, you know, so control.
Speaker A: But, you know, he was strict, but he was very lenient.
Speaker B: But when did he know? Uh, you know, you're at a very
Speaker A: young age really from the get go.
Speaker D: Because I remember my akungap between myself and my brother two years Raman brother. Games. No. So. So from that al.
Speaker C: Wonder Woman.
Speaker A: So from there.
Speaker D: So I was trained there brother will never work with my mom.
Speaker A: Um, So I was already.
Speaker D: Well, in a way I was trained already to make clothes. Later that I found I realized that I was making part of the making end uh up with the process of making clothes. So what she was like training. So it was never difficult for me to answer that question. M.
Speaker A: There was a time I remember I was in.
Speaker D: I was wearing a swimsuit.
Speaker A: I was young. I was in my teenage. You know, because I uh, grew up together two years.
Speaker D: They called me Kai because, uh, they called me Kai. But my papa called me Kalui Carl Carrie. But Kai Kosa family. Even to my close neighbors and close friends.
Speaker A: M
Speaker B: m.
Speaker A: Because I think he's right. He is, uh, you know, open minded.
Speaker C: Um, but it's so nice. Was she coming out? Sorry.
Speaker D: Four sisters before my brother and then myself.
Speaker A: So I was surrounded with ladies.
Speaker D: Half sister, eldest Namo from the previous relationships. Father. But Akumama, Angipak Ang um Kanang legally married. So I had among um, eldest Akong half sister. And then there was a half brother from another woman. And then four sisters from my mom.
Speaker A: But I was with my mom and
Speaker D: my half sister and then four sisters surroundings.
Speaker A: But I think it's really.
Speaker D: I don't know how you call it because. So I was dressed uh, as uh, a girl growing up. So you were not m.
Speaker C: Growing up.
Speaker A: Um, but I was always, you know,
Speaker D: I was always told, uh, to respect myself, not to be this and that because he's a disciplinarian, he's a military. So don't do this, don't do that. If you want to be respected, you have to do this and that. So I remember myself growing up. I really dressed properly because my mom as a costorera, she was like the designer of the community.
Speaker B: So that's where you got your talent from?
Speaker A: Well, I think I got it from her is
Speaker D: hometown. The Santiago family from my grandfather from my father's side.
Speaker C: Mhm.
Speaker D: Young Papa is from Bulacan. So I'm about partly Bulacan. Yeah. So my Akung Lola, Mama Nia is Agarcia. From Southern. From Southern and Badian mother Nakikwan.
Speaker C: Is Carrie your real name?
Speaker D: Carrie is my real name. So Angstorian my papa. And only if uh, Guru Tusha he want another name.
Speaker A: But I will not say it here.
Speaker D: It was funny.
Speaker A: I cannot imagine myself.
Speaker D: I will be called with, you know, Mona Kumpangan.
Speaker A: No. So I hugged my man. Ah, clients.
Speaker D: Um, I will issue a check so may have your name. Carrie Santiago. I said your real name.
Speaker A: That's my real name. But it sounded female.
Speaker D: It's actually from the actor Cary Grant. It's spells like C A R Y. But if you go to Instagram there are other Carrie Santiago women, female, but in mostly Latina because the family name Santiago. So Akuray Kari Santiago. I think there's six, seven of us in Instagram. Carrie Santiago. But I'm the only Carrie Santiago with C A R Y name. Santiago. Na male from. From the Philippines. It was from my favorite. A favorite actor, Carrie Grant.
Speaker B: So unintentional.
Speaker D: M. According to her uh,
Speaker A: Name. You will call me that name. Cannot imagine myself with that name.
Speaker D: Very masculine. Uh, no. So M. Uh, Cary Grant I think. Audrey hepburn. Um, I am Kari Malaki Santiago. So Malaki literally big. But my mom's middle name is Veloso from Cebu. But his grandfather migrated to Leyte. But I'm related to all the villosses of Cebu. So Okabutang Veloso. My sister got married in Leyte.
Speaker A: So literally basically let me write down.
Speaker D: You know.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: She served. She served the church. Uh, but she's from Leyte. Viloso from Leyte. And my father is from Cebu. But religion from Bulacan.
Speaker C: Yeah. So um, you mentioned uh. Uh, siblings.
Speaker D: You're the ambitious eight, nine. Because from another mother. First papa was a law student. Then back then second Nako was Lalake.
Speaker B: Mhm.
Speaker D: Uh, he was studying in San Carlos. So serving at the church. My uncle young brother was in the medical kanang field. Nakita Sakumama Dito. Because there was a Murag Samanisha. Uh, home for the aged and orphanage. Orphanage run by the Iscanios. Because my auntie married an Iscano. So he served it did to. Because I'm supposed to serve God.
Speaker B: So I want to talk about your K there.
Speaker D: From a different mother and then brother. From a different mother and then Kamee. Um, four sisters, one brother and you second girlfriend. Another one a female and then myself in between.
Speaker C: So from that nine you can you use. You can. Um, you mentioned uh. You're the ambitious judge.
Speaker A: Because I think because I am um.
Speaker D: Artistic. I am artistic. When they are all studying, I am left with my mom fashion magazine mod. So I read like my father. I read a Reader's digest because
Speaker A: I
Speaker D: want to be like this. I want to be like. I want to go here and there. Akumaima M. So being the youngest, I am the one left with her. So kamiyah my magchika M Para makatogo magbasahan Koniya ugatong manga Life Story Atong M Manga celebrities. She's also fascinated with the celebrities. Hollywood celebrities. So mostoria about the life of Audrey Hepbard. I remember. And then the life Nick Nilang. Um. Um. Princess Caroline. Princess Diana no Kanang Princess Mona Kosi Grace Kelly.
Speaker A: Fascinated. So I growing up I would life
Speaker D: and then there I read about. I've learned to love biographies of famous people. From them the more fashion came oh my
Speaker B: uh.
Speaker D: Life story Grace Kelly Ang Life story Sophia Loren and then life. And then glamorous scaling life.
Speaker A: Love this kind of world.
Speaker D: Yes. I collect books.
Speaker B: I mean if you're artistic and it's always the creative people imagination.
Speaker D: Sorry, what is this?
Speaker B: Like you guys or, um, people in fashion widening imagination or canang thinking wide and difficult.
Speaker D: I think
Speaker A: so. Uh,
Speaker C: ambitious mother. Uh, from that kid who's very ambitious as a shanida. That ambition or that being ambitious.
Speaker B: What did it bring you?
Speaker D: But Paramalambi Nina Kwang story. But this is very true. Nagpuyo apartment but there's a hill right in front. When children were playing aku. I'm different. I would sit. I would sit and I can see the Mactan channel M On the afternoon after the evening whistle. M. But I started to dream that one day I will cross that water. M and I did not even know that.
Speaker A: But they said this is.
Speaker D: I want to cross that. I remember. And then growing up, I wanted to buy that. It was a marble block military that time. Ang General Atohu General Amor. But because I think they find me cute that time. Because I have straight hair, chubby with the long lashes. They allow me. But from where I am seated, I can see Mactan and, um, Bohol. So I always sit there and said, I will cross that. I will go somewhere outside Cebu.
Speaker A: Well, in a way, it was my
Speaker D: mama who taught me to try to dream big. Because among the siblings, uh, something ambition. Because I read, you know, I would talk about biographies of people. Momayang Passion. She loves geography, arts and culture, just like myself. So I got this from her. So I collect book. She collects magazine that time. Because she capacity before. So magazines. But Karun growing up, we read a book together. Books together. So I collected books. Shop and then Sabalai Laik Mubasa Kitakumama. Well, she's also very visual like myself. Uh, when she finds it fascinating. Mubasa Shah. So that's how I read books. First I have to check the book. If it's fascinating for me on site title. I open it and then I see the color. And then I read and then I find it fascinating. I read the entire article, just like my mom.
Speaker A: So the color, I'm visual.
Speaker D: I'm very visual.
Speaker A: So, uh, I appreciate.
Speaker D: But then I flip it. I don't like.
Speaker A: So it's beautiful. Up until now,
Speaker D: Always appreciate beauty being a designer. So when I see beauty, I verbalize my
Speaker B: thoughts.
Speaker D: Appreciation, admiration. So I verbalize it beautiful. If it's ugly, well, I keep it to myself. To the point that it's like flirting already for men. Because he said, you know what? You're handsome. Um, you know what? I have a crush on you. You're handsome, you have a crush on. You have to make it public.
Speaker A: So Same thing with women.
Speaker D: Women, they appreciate it, but with men, they find it. Are you flirting?
Speaker A: Uh, but it's just me.
Speaker D: It's just my natural me.
Speaker C: So, mother, um, when you're in high school, then when you go into college, uh, did you work as a designer or a koan?
Speaker D: Uh, yeah, because I was already in the environment of making clothes. Yeah. Growing up with assisting my mom. So at 15, I found myself working for an RTW company. Already 15?
Speaker C: Oh my God.
Speaker D: Because I wanted to be a designer. Because my mom will not, uh, produce a sketch,
Speaker A: But because she's busy.
Speaker D: It was always a dream, uh, my clothes to, you know, for my clothes to come to life.
Speaker A: So then when I was in high
Speaker D: school, because I used to CCC before in San Shanko Street, Puromanagday. There's a street, there's a boutique there. Or a tailoring shop called Chenchen Collection. If I have to mention, because she was. I was so inspired by him. See, Harley Rouedes, uh, was the. Was Magdatusha catalog.
Speaker A: I want to be like that.
Speaker D: I want to sketch like that. I work here, but
Speaker A: he's a very nice guy, but
Speaker D: 15 years old, Morning, frequent afternoon.
Speaker A: So
Speaker D: it's always a dream. Until I found the lady, the owner, Susan Chua.
Speaker A: But actually Santiago, it was just later on she came to me order and I told her. So you are Susan Chua, the owner of Chen Chen Collection? M. Uh,
Speaker D: because I was just there, I'm so happy I'm earning enough that time Sharing. Sharing. Uh, so Akun Sanina Magic. Like magic sketch. Wakwe idea, Onsai color, onsai fabric. But let's say I have sketch this like magic how I sketched it. So morakuna fascinate work. So it was already, uh, RTW. It was an RTW company until at 18, back and forth, I was with Gilardo, I Gloria, Nikki Crudua, and then M Teves, depending that time. But of course I wanted to be with Nikki Cordua at that time. So I was with Iglo, M. Tevez, Larry, Gloria. So part time co here, part time there, part time. I love to sketch. Oh, another RTW company. And then Kangniki Kurdua. But I ended up with Nikki Kurdua because he was a famous designer back then. So I was what, 17 until 18
Speaker B: career.
Speaker D: Uh, but wait, before we go that I want to share this with you because Dr. See, doctora panares, up until now, she's my client. I was 18 years old when she told me because someone, when someone inspires you, gives you beautiful words. You will instill it in your mind and in your heart, and you don't want them to. Them to see you fail. Uh, prophecy for me. So it was always in my heart and my mind when she said, you know what? I can see a future in you. M the word. Because you are only 18.
Speaker A: Uh, I just hope. But up until now, we hug each other.
Speaker D: She's my client.
Speaker A: Up until now.
Speaker D: We're very close. This is doctora Belinda Panares. So she was the one who told me those words. I always put it in my heart and mind. It will be. Those words will be the source of inspiration that I don't want successful.
Speaker A: So up until now, we always hug
Speaker D: each other and, you know, like a family almost. Yeah. So, Monasha, this is very inspirational for me. I'm m sharing it with you.
Speaker C: Yeah, Only UCSP
Speaker D: and then.
Speaker B: I am, um, Carrie Santiago Nagidi.
Speaker A: Kind of very known before, I think.
Speaker C: Um, the. The thing that we talk about is you work in Middle m East.
Speaker A: Shortcut life.
Speaker D: Shortcut on life. There's no such thing. Um, look, if I look back, if I look back, sometimes I'm emotional as a person. I'm an artist. I'm emotional. Um, so when I look back, I think made me and who I am right now. And like planting a seed before it bears fruit, when it's a process you have to plant, let's make sure it grows, you know, until it grows, become a tree, and then bear fruit. So, um, success for me, it was not given to me in a silver platter because I did not come from a rich family. But always the words and people around me, that gives me, you know, that inspires me. The books I read. So when you read them, when you read their stories, it was not a shortcut. In fact, some of these people almost killed themselves before they become, uh.
Speaker A: So it inspires me that even if
Speaker D: I come from a simple family, you can become, if you. Somebody somebody if you wish. And if you pray for it and
Speaker B: work hard, what would you consider as your koan mother? Um, let's just say most difficult, ah,
Speaker D: career, a lot of things. Because even up until now, I cry because sometimes if I don't like the clothes, I get emotional.
Speaker A: Through all this time, throughout these years,
Speaker D: up until now, everything is.
Speaker A: Oh, it can be emotional for me
Speaker D: when I see a dog. I mean, in terms of work,
Speaker A: The
Speaker D: most emotional part is when I see my clothes come to life. Like, let's say when I was in the Middle East, I was a ghost
Speaker A: designer, so I was Just happy to
Speaker D: be one because I am well compensated. And, um, I didn't have the problem of financially because if I don't like the clothes, I throw them.
Speaker A: How did that happen?
Speaker D: It becomes emotional when I see them come to life in fashion show sold and applauded. When I was a dress designer back then, it even get emotional for me because it was not under my name.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: So that was the most emotional part.
Speaker C: Um, from Katong contract. So after that contract, what happened and how come Middle East?
Speaker D: M If there's a because. Remember, uh, growing up as a young child. Uh.
Speaker B: Uh,
Speaker D: she grew up afraid she ended up in the, um. M. If you want to be. To become successful.
Speaker C: Correct. Correct.
Speaker A: So Moto, when I had a chance, a couple from.
Speaker D: From Iraq. They're Iraqi national. I mean, their ethnicity is. They're Iraqi in ethnicity, but they're Canadian in citizenship. They had the opportunity to open an atelier in Dubai, went to Manila. Emmanuel Hamoy, my friend, he's a designer because he dresses well. You must be a designer. Um, yes, I am.
Speaker A: Can you help us?
Speaker D: We're looking for tailors. Oh, I am not from here. I'm not from Manila. I'm from Cebu. But I'm traveling, you know, traveling for the United States. But I have a friend, a close friend of mine who's in Cebu who can help you. So number.
Speaker A: So I was with Romero Vergara, the
Speaker D: famous making artist shop Gamai. Because I was ready to be on my own after Nikki Krudua.
Speaker A: So like Abikugamang Shapa Romero.
Speaker D: I cannot forget Romero because he's part of. Because he was like a family so parlor. So I rented the Salah Sataas. But Siromero Ang amung Romugnana Koi client transformation receiving area, Artistic seromero and artistic room every time.
Speaker A: But because my client also was about that.
Speaker D: Because they know that I just started. In fact, they were very supportive of me. So, um. M Receiving area. I started with one tailor and then Katerina and then assistant for finishing. I am, uh, the purchaser. So I started with two people working for me until, uh. I have to remind myself I have to be good at what I do because this is the only work I will continue and the only work will feed me eventually. This is where I get everything, you
Speaker C: know,
Speaker D: Because I did not finish college as well because I was already hooked with making clothes. M. So I have to be good at this one. I have to remind myself every time. But I was just so lucky to be sometimes with, you know, like, faith Like a karma, you, um, will be lead there, and you will meet the right people. I think when you meet people in your life and they stay with you, it's not accidental.
Speaker C: Uh, for me, are you meant to
Speaker D: meet the people in your life if they stay, or even if some of them stay, those people who will not stay with you and they become strangers? Correct.
Speaker A: So Faith, because I'm, um, people that
Speaker D: I surround Upat Neil now are people I want to keep in my life. So Nakuma Cliente. They were with me there, and they believed in my capacity as a designer. So I started with two until Na Upatsila and then there. That's the continuation. Iraqi couple. I entertained them, but they were only looking for tailors.
Speaker A: But I think with how I entertain
Speaker D: my clients, they saw me sketch
Speaker A: if they're there, because, you know, let me
Speaker D: do my job first. I'm doing a business here. And then you just wait for me until I finish.
Speaker A: But later on, they don't want the
Speaker D: tailors said, cancel the tailors. Uh, we want you in two months.
Speaker A: So I called my ma. Ma.
Speaker D: Oh, well, this is the chance. I was 25 years old. You're 25? I was 25 years old. I was 25 years old when I traveled. It was my first international trip. I wasn't ready, but my mom was so. Well, my sister were afraid because I'm the youngest. You know,
Speaker A: they were very protective of me.
Speaker B: But, you know, personally.
Speaker A: M. Well, I'm a very ambitious person.
Speaker D: I was ready to be there, here and do everything correct even before I reach that age. So many things. So many tears.
Speaker A: M. So many.
Speaker D: Is there heartache? Part of that was because we're human. Yeah, we're human. Part of that, because we admire people. There are people we appreciate. There are people we wish in our lives.
Speaker A: You know, part of that.
Speaker D: So Ning Wakmama go. But just remember that you just have to do good things. Because when you do good things, it's a karma. So they always instill that in my mind.
Speaker A: I remember myself.
Speaker D: I did not even like what other friends enjoyed. Because I was working, I was ambitious. I want to do this and that. I limit who I go out. You know, I go out and enjoy with. I'm very private as a person. And even my assistant, Misty Wang, and everybody who knows me, they know that I am very straightforward. That's, uh, why I keep myself away from, you know, they can.
Speaker A: Yeah, they can.
Speaker D: It can be mistaken as something.
Speaker C: Exactly.
Speaker D: I'm a very straightforward person.
Speaker A: M. So that's why I keep My
Speaker C: world small, small, small group.
Speaker B: Uh, only people that will understand you.
Speaker D: People who loves me because they just don't understand me. They love me because they will not stay with me up until now if they don't love me. M. I'm difficult a bit.
Speaker C: Shout out to atimistian Atiwen.
Speaker D: Yes. M. They're my angels.
Speaker A: So.
Speaker B: Was there a time that you were describing?
Speaker D: So they want me. They want me. They want me in two months.
Speaker C: Wow.
Speaker A: Even my fiance. M. Ah.
Speaker D: So supporter attorney gigi jores. Um, Mrs. So mother nikita. So because I made their clothes. Was a musician. Uh, but I already decided this is the opportunity.
Speaker A: It only strike. Uh.
Speaker C: Um.
Speaker A: If.
Speaker D: Opportunity. So I decided fix nakumine. So I told Gigi Joris stood now attorney. Um. Attorney.
Speaker B: Um.
Speaker D: But my tailor will still be here if ganahanka kwaanalang nitanan including akumangat gamut arun tiwasuna lang nimong orders did though. But I remember Siket was already very fascinated with clothes Fashionista Mankaito Siket. And then during in one of her interviews she credited me Namuragmoini Hatagni. And break inspired her to become a designer because. And then
Speaker A: there was a time, uh,
Speaker D: she was even endorsing uh, laundry.
Speaker A: So very famous, very nice. She became very famous.
Speaker D: And yeah, she also have a lovely personality. Yeah.
Speaker C: So after.
Speaker D: Three years Dubai, of course it was a culture shock for me. In fact, um, three days after I cried.
Speaker A: You don't know anyone. You don't know anyone there men wearing
Speaker D: white while women wearing black. Some of the women are even covered. And then room was a mosque.
Speaker A: So when they chant the prayer just
Speaker D: new to me
Speaker A: what it. But. And then again I have to remind myself that if you want this one, this is part of the package.
Speaker B: Um, Are you the only Filipino?
Speaker A: Well, the time when I arrived there.
Speaker D: Filipino Another Filipino workers. Co designer Lebanese speaks French. He. I was 25. He was 18 or 12. He was younger. 18, 19. He was young. Um, speaks fluent French and fluent Arabic because he's from Lebanon. But later on, because you want to prove yourself again. I have to remind myself I have
Speaker A: to be good at this.
Speaker D: Otherwise. Yes, I will not be intimidated. I told myself. Well, from where I come from insecurities. But then again I have to remind myself I will not be intimidated by this. Uh, there's no way. I have to be. I have to be. I have to excel here. Uh, failure.
Speaker A: No, no, no, no.
Speaker D: From here I go somewhere. So then I prove it to my boss, that designer. Because salary was One fourth of his. But I make more beautiful flowers, I sketch more and I speak English. And that time I was starting to learn Arabic. So they don't need a French. It's English and Arabic.
Speaker A: So self taught Arabic woman.
Speaker D: Um, extra
Speaker A: well in my case. Well, I was just a worker. I was hired to work.
Speaker D: I'm M, a fashion designer. I cannot do that. This is not part of my job description.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: But not me. M, I always give extra. Like let's say boss, if you need something, coffee, let's have coffee together.
Speaker C: I mean, Anya, coffee.
Speaker A: Let's have coffee.
Speaker D: Oh, Carrie, I'm so sad because with my faith. Don't worry. I always assure them, m, I'm here. Don't worry, I'm here. We will finish it. And then you see that the glow in your eye, the glow in their eyes and said, oh my God, we want you. We want you.
Speaker A: So I was there.
Speaker D: And then to the point. So the designer, that Lebanese was already out. But then that designer asked me, if you finish the contract, I will hire you. I want you to work for me. Capacity to work not only with the creatives, but I give extra more. So I want you. But my boss called my best friend, Dodi Madarang Yerera now. And my sister Marvi now. Uh, we want to renew the contract of your brother. And if he will not, we will be forced to put him in jail because there's nothing we can do to
Speaker A: keep him to that point. We want Carrie.
Speaker D: We don't want him anywhere.
Speaker A: We will.
Speaker D: What's his dreams?
Speaker A: He want a house.
Speaker B: Owner?
Speaker A: No.
Speaker B: Yeah.
Speaker A: But if you sign a contract, we will make him. We will help him build a house.
Speaker B: Wow.
Speaker A: Point to that point. Because, you know, it's not just talent, it's also maybe the good relationship. Yeah, you know the relationship.
Speaker D: It's given that technically I can do clothes, this and that, but it's really the relationship that they want me. Because there's Asian, uh, feeling that I'm a designer. This is a glamorous light. It was not a glamorous life for a Filipino designer to be working. It was never glamorous.
Speaker A: What else? So I'm not doing anything. So what else can I do? It's really that, that relationship.
Speaker D: Things will be okay.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker B: All in one day. Come on.
Speaker C: Because I think it's a Filipino trait.
Speaker A: It's a Filipino trait. It's a Filipino trait.
Speaker D: I think it's also that my upbringing. It was also my upbringing.
Speaker B: So now renew on contract.
Speaker D: I did not renew my contract because another contract was Waiting for me outright. When the designer Lebanese designer left and Nagimo Kutor house in Abu Dhabi and in Duba and in Beirut. He told me, you will work with me, I'll bring you to Beirut. That was the time. Uh, co designer.
Speaker B: That contract was definitely much better.
Speaker A: Well, I also love the idea that
Speaker D: I will go out of UAE and to be in Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon is a beautiful country. It is the Paris of Asia. The history, arts and culture. I'm into this. I'm very fascinated with that.
Speaker A: Can you imagine?
Speaker D: I went to this World Heritage sites. The Baalbek. The biggest, the biggest and the most well preserved Roman temple is in Lebanon. It's in Lebanon. It's called Baalbek. Lebanon is a continuously inhabited place. It is the ancestral home of the Phoenicians.
Speaker A: So the history was rich, the landscape was beautiful. It's in the Middle east, but it's like desert. And it's the only, I think in the Middle east because um, Morocco is already in Africa, but in the Middle east. It's the only country among snow in the Middle East.
Speaker D: Because if you talk about Iran, it's not Middle east, it's part of North Asia. Mhm.
Speaker A: So it's the only country in the Middle East.
Speaker D: It is the home of the cedar trees, the history, the arts and people there are beautiful day, dress well, food is perfect, lovely, excellent. One of the best in the world. So I enjoyed. I said I will go.
Speaker A: And also I was well compensated.
Speaker C: A designer. Um, back when.
Speaker D: No, no, no, no. I was the ghost designer because my co designer was the owner and it was under his label.
Speaker A: But I did not mind, you know,
Speaker D: I did not have an ambition to make it big. What was in my mind is that I will have a comfortable life if I go home and then to give a. To give comfort for my family waiting for me m back home.
Speaker C: That's the one.
Speaker D: That's the goal.
Speaker A: That's the only goal. That's the only guiding at mine.
Speaker C: So how long have you been in Beirut?
Speaker A: I was, you know, um, three years
Speaker D: in Dubai and then I was one almost three years in Abu Dhabi and then almost three years in Beirut.
Speaker B: Yeah.
Speaker D: But what I like about my work there is because um, my boss was also a designer. He's also a designer. He's also good with his craft.
Speaker B: Oh.
Speaker D: That's why he really made it big. But I was the creative designer because he is in the financial side but gives me direction. So I was just happy to work with him.
Speaker A: So I'm just creative. It's nice to be just creative. You are, um. You are limitless.
Speaker D: I was limitless that time.
Speaker A: I was just being creative.
Speaker D: I don't have to think of anything financially.
Speaker A: So I want this fabric.
Speaker D: Like magic. It's there in front of me. I want this book. I want this, I want that. They say, oh, we can, but we can have to wait. It's there in front of me.
Speaker A: So it was uh.
Speaker D: In the creative side of being a designer, it was very fulfilling.
Speaker C: Because the thing that you want for getting inspiration provide Mankai. Because he's a designer.
Speaker D: He's a designer. So. Well, like anywhere else in big gutter houses. Because eventually he grew very big and very famous there.
Speaker B: Um, so I want to fast forward building your own brand or when did you realize, you know, it's time for you to come back, say move own country.
Speaker D: Um, and make her own name. M. Well, it was all by accident because I had never dreamed to become a brand. A brand.
Speaker A: Because again, the goal was just to
Speaker D: have a comfortable life. Myself and my family.
Speaker A: That was it.
Speaker C: So Kuto mother. Um, experience. I've heard and I think you mentioned it before Sako, but it wasn't conjugate detail about it.
Speaker D: Yes, Literal noir exodus Galito.
Speaker A: Because you know, when I arrived in
Speaker D: Beirut, few days after, ah, months after, um. Rafi Kariri, the then prime minister Rafi Khari was assassinated.
Speaker C: Car unstable.
Speaker D: But it's such a beautiful country, but unstable, you know, but in any ways. Um, before Ko finally, uh, but before actually Beirut. I was asked by Lebanese to produce pieces in Cebu. While waiting for my visa to be processed. Um, Dubai. Then Abu Dhabi. From Abu Dhabi. Matoko Beirut. So while waiting for my visa I was asked to produce high fashion clothes. And then while waiting one year. So out of boredom designers competition.
Speaker A: Because I'm not doing anything while waiting for my visa. So
Speaker D: entry Pagasa. That time the same year. Pagasa the Philippine Dream. It was the first time Namurag, uh, in captivity. Bred in captivity. Eagle or I think Basamoti story. I think that year or the years years before Pagasa. I was able to read it in the magazine and the papers. The Philippine Dream. So what a beautiful title. The title of the competition was the Philippine Young Designers Competition. Um, Ecology and environment.
Speaker A: Entry.
Speaker D: There were like a hundred entries. Then we were trimmed down to 50 if I'm not mistaken. And then from there, Because I want to see my inspiration up close and personal. The eagle.
Speaker B: But.
Speaker D: He was in the center. But. And then Moti first and Gisud Kudita Kumpag Asana sanctuary. It was like a sign because, well, I charmed, uh, the Keeper. Yeah, that time.
Speaker A: So.
Speaker D: Oh, my God. This is one of the most beautiful creation of God. This is such a beautiful bird. So powerful in size and the wingspan.
Speaker A: So, um, She was standing there so proud, So majestic,
Speaker B: Uh,
Speaker D: Literally, God, because again, I'm an artist and I appreciate beauty.
Speaker A: Oh, my God. Lord, what is this beautiful creation?
Speaker D: What's so beautiful?
Speaker A: Um,
Speaker D: greenish turquoise crown. Can you imagine? And then there was, like, a feather, but this is not allowed, actually. But. So I kept it.
Speaker A: And then from there, akutongi kupia ang color.
Speaker D: Exactly the same color. So Nakupiya. Nakunya. Well, that time when I submitted the entry and then finally, um, flew into Manila and then finals for exhibition. The designers, among the designers of Manila who organized was just ordinary, but it was very light. One of the lightest entry because it
Speaker A: was, you know, made of pina hussi
Speaker D: ang quail, quailit naku. Fused together. Then I. Well, I first dyed, uh, the husi with kaping barako.
Speaker A: So it smelled entry coffee, man.
Speaker D: But gaping barako from Batangas. Like a few sako together. I went to Dan Bantayan, out to Bantayan island, Including the quill. So I had it. From there. Well, last friends who was there cheering
Speaker A: me up, uh,
Speaker D: Exact colors of feathers at that time. Feathers.
Speaker C: Feathers.
Speaker A: That time. That's why it won. That's why it won.
Speaker D: Because it was something new that time. I was the first one.
Speaker A: Because it's so simple compared to the
Speaker C: others,
Speaker A: it was just feathers.
Speaker D: But what made it amazing and for the designer to appreciate it and the organizing committee and even the judges was because it was new that time.
Speaker A: That time.
Speaker D: Uh, if the word is malleable, it was malleable. Um, and because I have. So I have to use the real Quill.
Speaker A: Center
Speaker B: online.
Speaker C: Uh,
Speaker D: so that's why it won 25. It was in Glorieta. Vividly. It was my first time in Manila. So Nabutko Ditos Gloria. Uh, not Glorieta in Robinson's Galleria. That's the exact location. But the chairman of the board was Beazubel de Ayala. Ino Manalo. Um, Aimee Marcos Manotok. Imelda Marcos. Santiago de Manila.
Speaker A: Ah.
Speaker D: The famous designer Ernest Santiago was named. They call him Santiago de Manila. So there were 12 of them, including the ambassador of France to the Philippines. And there's 20, 25 of, uh, us. But because it's a big venue, the Pancake Town.
Speaker A: And then because it's In Gloria.
Speaker D: Um, Robinson.
Speaker A: So I was there.
Speaker D: I was just with my rosary and praying, of course, competition. So with prayers. I think prayers can really do miracles, Right? So grocery.
Speaker A: But I touched my heart
Speaker D: because something usually favorable.
Speaker C: Uh, okay.
Speaker D: Yeah. So
Speaker A: m.
Speaker D: But I was beside John Herrera. And John Herrera said to me. And I cannot remember. That's why I love him. Love him to death.
Speaker A: You know what, Carrie?
Speaker D: If I win tonight, I will give it to you because I think you deserve this.
Speaker A: Oh, you're so sweet. That little boy, Johnny Herrera, He's a famous designer.
Speaker D: He's now in London. So Ningun. If I win, I give it. I'll give it to you.
Speaker A: But because I joined because out of boredom.
Speaker D: I did not really joined because m The eagerness to win.
Speaker A: I was just there. But I prayed. M. But I touched my heart.
Speaker D: The runners up were called already. And then Junjun Iscario was called. So. Meaning your competitors. Yeah, I was the only one because there was one, um, Ignacio, you know, he won several awards in Manila. And then he was the front runner.
Speaker C: Front runner.
Speaker D: But because it was something different, like Young Feathers. So Pagawas did to designers winners.
Speaker A: And then I did not mind.
Speaker D: I didn't know what's happening there, because I'm backstage and I come here once.
Speaker A: You're cold. So Akawala. So John said like, oh, my God, John, congratulations. It's cold. There were two titles.
Speaker D: Me, the grand prize winner. And then the Mega Choice Award won by John Herrera. Uh, so there's two of us Show Carrie.
Speaker B: I won.
Speaker D: But I will dedicate this to you before he. That's why I love him. Up until now. We're so close because of that. I cannot forget, you know, that gesture.
Speaker A: So everybody was cold.
Speaker D: I forgot the runners up already. I forgot the runners up already. But, um, I remember, um, because Jun was with me. We're from Cebuan. There were other Cebuwana designers. So then there were, um, 12 remaining contestants. So I was.
Speaker A: It's you.
Speaker D: I was just waiting for maybe. So it was just out of boredom. Yeah. So Pagabut did see, John Herrera was already called, um, Mega Magazine M Choice Award, something like that. So there were two titles Grand Prix.
Speaker A: So. But I think it's you.
Speaker D: Uh, and then Doji Batu from Dava was already cold. And then another one. And then Junjun Iscario was cold called from Cebu. There were six of us from Cebu. And then Brian Leyva. Brian Leyva was my first runner, uh, up. He won. Uh, this is the brother of Michael Coins to Yahamenko.
Speaker A: Wow.
Speaker D: This is. It was even my favorite. It was even my favorite. It was made of cinco centabos coin made into a catsuit.
Speaker C: Wow.
Speaker D: But what was heavy but beautifully done, beautifully crafted. The color is bronze. It was really striking there on stage. Um, favorites,
Speaker A: but no. It touched my heart again.
Speaker D: So the Abuzi Jackie. Uh, no, see, Robbie Carmona, the host, was steamy up.
Speaker C: Okay.
Speaker A: But even backstage, almost all the designers
Speaker D: were there taking care of me.
Speaker A: Let's say, made sure Carrie shoes is perfect. Made sure the m. Oh. Put the makeup on the man. Is it zipped well, so they were already voting even.
Speaker D: It reached the judges because they saw it upload and pursue 50%, I think, there and then 50% on the Runway.
Speaker A: So I was cold. My number was cold.
Speaker D: I was number five. Number five.
Speaker A: I forgot my number. I'm poor with numbers. So Nasodzi. Robbie Carmona, the famous director.
Speaker D: Robbie Carmona.
Speaker A: Number five. Number five.
Speaker D: Who's number five?
Speaker A: You're number five. Carrie out. So they push me in Comment.
Speaker D: That was magical, because you know why? The moment I stepped out of backstage, there was confetti.
Speaker A: And then I realized I won. You won? At the end, I said, confetti, and I said, I won. So I got. I said, oh, my God, I won. So you didn't realize.
Speaker D: Um, I was, you know, amazed by the entire, um, situation. Situation. So I was standing there, and I saw everybody clapping, and I saw some friends right there. Said, oh. So I won. And then Bea Isabel. That was the first time we met. And then we became very, you know, she became a client and a close friend of mine. She handed me in her beautiful tear. And then I saw Imeda Marcus also there, and Aimee. And then there was Santiago de Manila, because he's one of my idols. This is Ernest Santiago. So Hino Manalo, being the president of the cultural center of the Philippines, if I'm not mistaken, that's at that time. I don't know his designation exactly, but he was very important in the design, in the creative community. And then there was the ambassador of France to the Philippines, who handed me the plaque.
Speaker B: The plaque.
Speaker D: And I read the plaque. Something in French that you know. Of course it's in French. So I read it. I said, oh, my God, I won. It's a grand Prix. And then be a Zobel handed me the trophy. Cannot forget. And she told me that, oh, I can see you're praying. I can see you're praying cross. Because I was holding the, uh, plaque, and I was about to grab the trophy, but she Saw the cross.
Speaker B: The cross.
Speaker D: You're praying. Yes, I am, madam. Congratulations. You know, it worked. So you just have to pray and believe. Oh, thank you. But I was looking at her in admiration as well. I said, oh, this is be Isobel. She was impeccably dressed, you know. So we were there together. Then after that one, my boss called me, your visa is ready. So I flew into Beirut from there. I stayed for long.
Speaker A: I was just so happy.
Speaker D: I was just being creative. I don't have to think of the finances and all. If I want this, it's there magic in front of me, right? Like a wish.
Speaker A: I love it.
Speaker D: Because you don't have to think of anything. Correct.
Speaker C: Ah.
Speaker A: You just want to, you know, just. You just create.
Speaker D: You want to make beautiful things.
Speaker B: Yeah, but it's good to know before you even left the Philippines, you already, you know, made a mark or left a mark before you even declared.
Speaker D: Um, that's correct. So then I went there and then. Because, you know, I really enjoy my stay in Bayart because it's an ancient city. Remember that this is the ancestral home of the Phoenicians, the ancient seafarers. Me being a lover of history, arts and culture, I would love to stay there forever. Food is great. People are beautiful. They dress impeccably. They speak French. Well, I can speak Arabic a little. And then, well, I found someone there who's a big supporter of mine, worked there together. And then. But I have to go back to the Philippines because there was a war. I m. Would have wanted to live there forever. But, uh, for some reason, God has another plan. I have to be sent back to the Philippines. So I have experienced war, Like in front of. Because I live in the 12th floor. Hey, there's a plane.
Speaker A: Oh, it's okay. It's okay for them.
Speaker D: This is between the Hezbollah and Hezbollah based in Lebanon. And then the country Israel. But because Israel station in the. In Lebanon, but in any way.
Speaker A: So my boss said because I was
Speaker D: transitioning to be a transgender woman there, he called me ga panga. You can just go to the mountain. It's a mountain place called Faraya. It's so beautiful. Michael Sinkon. I visited there. We stayed there. Michael. Singapore. Loved that place.
Speaker A: Because smoke up like you are somewhere else. Um, you can stay there.
Speaker D: You can stay there until the war will subside. There is a resort there. But in my mind,
Speaker A: transitioning as a trans woman.
Speaker D: The country, remember, has a history of civil war.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: Uh, you know, m. Who would have thought?
Speaker A: Years. No, I will just come back. Boss. Anyway, you know, I will come back anytime.
Speaker D: But upon returning to the Philippines, sometimes things are meant to be. So I started sending. Making clothes, high fashion clothes for Beirut. Um, when I returned here, Ningon sedexter Alas Nangita Nimosi Jacky Aquino, the famous Jackie Aquino, the director.
Speaker A: So I went there,
Speaker B: um,
Speaker D: Manila. Then I already left the country to be there and to work there abroad in Lebanon.
Speaker A: So Pagabotinko. Hey, direct. Oh, um, tell uh, me
Speaker D: then. Um, publisher and uh, editor in chief of Metro magazine. The biggest publication at the time as is owned by ABS cbn Metro Society, Metro Magazine, Metro Weddings. So it's a big. It's a big publication owned by ABS cbn.
Speaker B: So.
Speaker D: Ni Ing on Si Jackie. Um, because, um. Telemachus is looking for you in Koha. Could you imagine? She's looking for me. She's the biggest name in the. In the fashion world that time.
Speaker A: What is it all about?
Speaker D: Jack, we would like to invite you for a fashion show. Oh my God.
Speaker A: This is the time to shine. Correct.
Speaker D: Because I have been kept as a ghost designer.
Speaker B: Ghost designer.
Speaker D: So this is the time that I can use because remember my boss told me to produce pieces.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: So meaning I'm limitless.
Speaker A: Can just do anything.
Speaker D: Ask my boss.
Speaker A: Can I use.
Speaker D: Because I am asked to. I am asked to join a fashion show. Can I use this one?
Speaker A: Yeah, sure.
Speaker D: Six pieces. The title of the collection was the Dragon Dance. I hope hopefully we can fit to you. It's titled the Dragon dance. There were 21 designers. Um, but they were so gracious, they're so nice. They accommodated me like I became the finale. So when I. When.
Speaker A: So can you imagine? But um, stage. Because I'm the last one to be called.
Speaker D: Remember I was a nobody and I was hidden away.
Speaker A: I was a ghost designer. So even that friend of mine in
Speaker D: Lebanon even cogged me every after fashion show because he it's your work, but one day you will be recognized.
Speaker A: So I remember him when I stepped
Speaker D: down, I saw everybody clapping and said, oh, I'm being recognized. And then there does the bouquet.
Speaker A: And I know almost everybody in the front row.
Speaker D: M. There was Lucy Torres, Richard Gomez because I used to dress lucid back then. Katrina Ponce and really Charo Santos was there. Um, everybody. Tessa Prieto, Baldes Benchen was there. Almost everybody. All the people that I know. M. Uh. And it was their first time to hear my name. But I already know all of them there so forward.
Speaker A: Because I was not ready. M.
Speaker D: I wasn't ready.
Speaker A: I don't know how to react because I was. I never had that m Being up,
Speaker D: you know, being recognized with your work standing ovation.
Speaker B: So that was your first fashion show?
Speaker D: Oh, that was first fashion show ever. And then the week after there was an article where all review me by Cecile Zamora Van Stratten. She's one of the most famous designer turned columnist.
Speaker A: Uh, credible. But wow. I wasn't shocked. She don't know me. It was her first time to see me.
Speaker D: I mean, a lot of them really don't know me there. But in the last article she wrote was in the Philippine Dairy Inquiry. If I'm not mistaken. It says. And the finale. Carrie Santiago presenting blob and pieces to that editor. Feels like he's going to be Manila's next big thing. When for someone like me who's so small, coming from a small city was hidden away. Mura it was like what with this article. And then right after that article, I received a call from ABS CBN that I will do the uh. Um.
Speaker C: Uh.
Speaker D: The anniversary show of Imagine. I did the 10th year anniversary of the Metro Society. The 10th year anniversary of the Metro Weddings. And then Inosoto called me to present a collection. Well, that time I was a bit emotional because something happened personally. But I will not share it here. So I wasn't ready to off come. It was about love for sure. So I wasn't ready. Because someone has to say goodbye after a long time. We're together for six years. Eight years.
Speaker A: Eight years.
Speaker D: But I wasn't ready. But Inosoto said, but even if it collection only, it's okay because we know it's couture. So I went to Manila at the lobby of Water. Um, Waterfront. Sorry. I love Waterfront at the Shanghai. So I said oh my God. I cannot present only eight pieces. Can I present famous designer
Speaker A: designers involved was really Akura nobody. Finally I think something, uh.
Speaker D: You know, invite you. I will make 25 pieces. But I even beg him not to go home. I even said even to the point. This is Kwan Hakanang cinematic and uh. Cinematic Even kneeled and he almost kissed his feet to say. This is the moment of my life that I've been waiting for. You can leave me even not see you forever. But stay for a while. Because I cannot do it alone. You're giving me that energy. Let me finish this collection. After this one, you can go. I beg him to stay. But he said no, I cannot. Because he has to go. Because he has already promised something. He was engaged already that time.
Speaker A: That was the reason he came here
Speaker D: to Tell me that he is engaged. Uh oh, how nice of him to tell me. Twice he came. Twice he came to tell me that I wanted, you know. Well, the first one is being a Filipina because he wanted to be close to me, but it did not work. I said, no, it cannot be Filipina, because you will be near and yet you will be far. So if you will leave me, if you will not be together, you marry someone. Because I cannot see you being there. And I'm here.
Speaker A: Yeah, what's the guarantee? So.
Speaker D: But in any ways I begged him to stay, but he did not. But I understand. But it was painful in my part, because I needed emotional support. This is creative. So I was.
Speaker A: I was. But I have to tell myself, see,
Speaker D: you just have to be strong to continue regardless of. So I tell myself, no, if he leaves, he has to see me succeed.
Speaker B: Yeah. Okay. So that pain actually turned into.
Speaker A: Yeah, because he cannot see me fail.
Speaker D: Let's say, see, I left him and he failed.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker D: I said, no, I will make it. I turned it into bullet. An armor for meeting me something or not. Power for me to do more.
Speaker C: Yeah.
Speaker D: So I turned it into that situation, into something positive or correct. So 25 pieces collection.
Speaker C: 25 months.
Speaker D: I finished the 25 pieces.
Speaker C: What's it.
Speaker D: The title was Odd and Odyssey. Because I love history and culture.
Speaker A: I love.
Speaker D: I love the Iliad and the Odyssey. So it was about the goddesses. The goddesses in Iliad and the goddesses of Kanang Odyssey. This lady's fighting. I remember Marina Binipayo and Rhea Bolivar fighting. They don't like each other.
Speaker A: It was because that was what I'm feeling.
Speaker D: It was angering.
Speaker C: Yeah. Involved.
Speaker D: So I want them to walk like they're angry, they're fighting. So they snub with each other. Oh my God. Cannot believe I had a standing ovation again.
Speaker C: Again.
Speaker D: And everybody attended. I remember backstage, if I have to mention the name, because I don't want to edit this, this is the chance for me to. To thank these people who had supported me all the way. Katrina Ponce Enrique Marquis Tayong um Katina Ponce En Village. Charo Santos were there. Sila Cincres. All the high societies were there. I did not expect being a Cebuano, but they were all there.
Speaker A: They heard it.
Speaker D: Or maybe because it's from Innosoto. Because of the article as well. Because of the article as well. So Pagapotito, dear Katrina Poncian really said, I want three, uh, if I can fit, come to the house. Lizzie Zobel de AYALA went backstage, said, carrie, I want you to cut the length now because I will wear this in the birthday of Jaime Augusto, the husband. And then there's Mrs. Elizalde. Everybody was backstage. I remember Charo Santos sat there patiently.
Speaker A: I did not know what to do because it was,
Speaker D: You know, Santo sat there, said, I want an appointment. I want you to do my. So everybody there at Del Tesa Prietos fitted. I remember other celebrities. Can you believe I am a relatively nobody? I was was asked to do the Philippine Fashion Week. I presented a fashion show in Fashion Week. And titled collection was in praise of the divine. This was a liquid Buddha. So when. Well, I hope to share this with you. Because when you want to inspire someone, it has to be an edited ed. So not to edit this one. I want this to be an inspiration for the young designers. I got another standing ovation. Where for some people they might think,
Speaker A: uh, but this is all true. This is not so. I got another standing ovation there at
Speaker D: the Philippine Fashion Week. And then I became the most the show girl because they have to get me here. And then every time we have this show in Manila, uh, finale.
Speaker A: So I have enjoyed that and then up until now.
Speaker D: But I always wanted to be simple. I just always wanted to be in the middle of the. You know, floating in the middle. You know, you can go up and down. Because I have always been private. And m. Well, I remember myself M. Because I know one day mellow down. Not because of the talent maybe, but because of age.
Speaker A: Because my body will tell me slow down a bit. But that time.
Speaker C: And I think that's one thing until now, you're. You're still the icon of the industry.
Speaker B: The master.
Speaker D: I remember then from Charo Santos because she always promote me.
Speaker A: Excuse me.
Speaker D: M. Uh, we're limited few because also my clients would.
Speaker A: I remember Chris would say, Carrie, I
Speaker D: don't want you to give me gifts. Because if I give you gifts, you will ask from me. So just give me discount. What even There's.
Speaker A: There's even a one movie from Chris Akidong M. Fascinators.
Speaker C: Oh, my God.
Speaker A: The entire Was mine. Outfit.
Speaker C: Yes.
Speaker D: Was Minion. Ah, front page. These are anecdotes. One day again I will be given a chance to talk about this one.
Speaker A: These are anecdotes.
Speaker D: Beautiful anecdotes I will put in my heart.
Speaker B: So obviously female celebrities. Biggest celebrity.
Speaker C: Oh, you're Mew or, uh, Muse.
Speaker D: We're also dressed internationally, but these are not relationship. I think it's Charo Santos.
Speaker A: This is Charo Santos, who's very supportive of me.
Speaker D: And also she wore me at Oscars, at the Golden Globe Awards, at the, um, Venice Film Festival. All those big awards. Wow. She wore me. And almost all her special events, engagements. Um, I dress, um, Beyonce, Noel Progress, Katie Perry in one video.
Speaker A: Katie Pairing.
Speaker D: Moving, uh, egyptian shop.
Speaker A: But of course I cannot.
Speaker D: Yeah. M Even the color and everything had a pictorial with my clothes. And then there was Black Eyed Peace. Fergie wore me one time. And then Tyra Banks, Paris Hilton.
Speaker A: So m
Speaker D: Personal relationships, consider the biggest being Charo. And Chris Aquino too.
Speaker A: And Chris Aquino, Charo. And there's Regine Velasquez, who've been very supportive.
Speaker D: And then Sara Geronimo in one concert at Caritoshan several times,
Speaker A: of course.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker A: Well, with Ape, Regine, because she's been
Speaker D: very supportive, of course, of, um, guest as a queen. Because I'm the producer queen songs. But two songs.
Speaker A: Can you imagine?
Speaker D: One song of ate is 500 000. But she's really generous and we have that relationship. I can just dress you. But several times she paid.
Speaker B: Uh,
Speaker D: but Mother Carrie can give it as a free. No, we will support.
Speaker A: We will pay Kakai.
Speaker D: Ah, she knows about Cheo's beauty.
Speaker B: M.
Speaker C: I've heard if this is true. Uh, ah, one song and then.
Speaker B: So speaking of AKA Ilang. So let's talk about some other things, uh, outside fashion. So if we can touch base a little bit, uh, Queen
Speaker C: pageant.
Speaker B: Uh, how it starts behind it that actually.
Speaker D: Pageant pageant. I'm not a lover of pageants, but Wendell Quesito, we came very close in Juana Osmenia car Maganahan Makumaki mug Miss Gay. Kayakong anniversary.
Speaker A: Uh,
Speaker D: we'll make it big. Well, I already have the support of the clients among Madame. So you will pay this, you'll pay that, you will pay I need this and that. So Nakulma Gitung Queen being the chairman of the board was there. Everybody in Cebu there attended Mariana um Boitis.
Speaker A: This is Ms. Geja. Everybody in Cebu was there, and I
Speaker D: told them you have to wear jewelries, you have to wear the best clothes because you have to inspire the transgender community. Lgbt. So that's why Muraginagala Ang Queen.
Speaker A: Correct.
Speaker D: Up until Abuta Naslang Bea Zobel Pesa Preto Don Soleta even came Charo for the Santos, everybody. Silambeya Zobel, Alice, Eduardo, Esmo Laude. I tell them to always wear the dress because you will inspire our community.
Speaker A: Among, um, uh, transgender attendees.
Speaker D: Even grander than the ones In Manila if I have to claim. Sorry.
Speaker B: Actually yeah.
Speaker D: Because of the judges that we have.
Speaker C: So
Speaker A: that's why I always
Speaker D: Wendell because he was the one who gave me the idea.
Speaker B: And at the time, I mean I have to say it was really the grandest trans pageant.
Speaker D: Well, until I stopped. Because it's really not my world. No, because. So I'd rather produce a fashion uh, show Designer.
Speaker B: But huh. 10 years
Speaker C: fun fact.
Speaker A: I did not know you attend any screen.
Speaker D: But you were young then.
Speaker B: So some other things outside fashion. I mean we want to uh.
Speaker C: Uh. Uh. Perfume.
Speaker B: You have a. You had a collaboration.
Speaker C: Collaboration.
Speaker D: Okay.
Speaker C: Always Ben.
Speaker D: I think I'm one of the. If I'm not mistaken, we're on. We're only six designs offered by Ben to perfume was honored this Michael Cinco Fern1 Rahul Aurel, Leslie Mobo and myself. And then there's another one maybe Karunango Banana. But Kamiyang first is six designers. This was only given to the celebrities. It was really an honor for me. But so Ben asked me said okay. Title perfume Nashak Sila perfume before they offered me the male one. It could have been the title of the male perfume. But women it followed after a week after. But I have to be decide on the women's scent first. So I named it on lovewear and haute couture.
Speaker A: And why that? So I really told them that on
Speaker D: love because this is the entire perfume is my love letter to someone. This is my love letter to someone. I want to keep that because I want to be remembered that you know. So the perfume, the scent. So I wouldn't. Every time I wear that scent I'm reminded of that. But lately I'm not using it because I don't want to be reminded. It was just makes me cry. It will just make me cry. But I keep pieces there. So on love for them, um, for the person it's created for. And then on war because there was a war when I work in Beirut.
Speaker C: Oh yeah.
Speaker D: And there was literally an exodus. I traveled from my place out of Beirut in the border of Damascus with my staff carrying me because I couldn't walk anymore. And on top of the airspace in Damascus, you can see planes bombing. So it was a war. Up until I was in my sit guy. I was really brought up to Tzata as Gyud until Makalinkudko. Good thing I was in a business class. Akumbos paragin ma m Abotiko.
Speaker A: It was Exodus.
Speaker D: We walked 10 kilometers from the border of Lebanon to the border of. To the border Of Damascus. I mean, Syria, because this is in the north, and then Damascus is in the center, Central Pasha. So I have to be transferred. And then I was a trans woman with a different face.
Speaker A: Uh, so I have questioned every now. And then I saw the plane there, Terminal 2. And then the plane was in the Terminal 1. And he said, gary, can you still do it? I will die here. I will not walk anymore. But the plane is there. But I cannot. I cannot walk. I mean, you know, I can make a book out from that kind of experience. Uh, but I can carry you.
Speaker C: I don't know why
Speaker D: I cannot forget his name. Muhammad. He's from Damascus. Masayun. Parania.
Speaker A: Was. You will not leave Gary until he's seated. But there's a war. I want to see him seated. But it can go wrong now. I'm serious.
Speaker D: Contact me after Ato.
Speaker B: Um, that was the last time.
Speaker D: That's the last time I remember his family, all his family, Some of his family died because he's from the north. He's from Latakia. Something there in that area. I heard, uh, uh.
Speaker A: But I offered a prayer.
Speaker D: But I never had a chance to talk with him. But one day, in my heart, I really want to reconnect with him.
Speaker A: Because I remember. When I told him, uh, I will just die here. There's the plane. I cannot walk anymore.
Speaker D: Inspirations on war, see? And the haute couture. Because I work with him all throughout my stay in Beirut. We work in the same couture house. So the unloved War and haute couture. It's like my maternal love letter.
Speaker C: Love letter to him.
Speaker B: Collaboration.
Speaker C: Perfume.
Speaker B: So what other things, mother, aside from, you know, designing outside fashion?
Speaker A: Well, I paint.
Speaker B: Yeah, I saw that too.
Speaker D: Um, social media, if you want to do something, and if it will be backed by something because of the necessity. Because of the necessity, you can do it. Refrigerator. I always have to put that in my mind and in my heart. If I want to earn, I have to do this. I have to excel in it. It was the first time in my life during the pandemic that I hold the paintbrush. I know how to make up kabakumo makeup. Um, because I started. Because I started as a designer at the same time,
Speaker A: But it was the
Speaker D: first time ever paintbrush. And I have to tell myself,
Speaker A: this is the first time. Can you imagine? And then Michael Dino bought one for a fabulous amount. And then I called, Ah, said, okay, give me that one. Can you do me an arowana? Uh, I painted arowana. And how Much Is that okay? It's a pandemic. And then people Alice Eduardo said, oh, it's pandemic Kiss.
Speaker D: I will buy. Um, uh, Vicky Bello said, I want a white horse. So I painted a white horse. Said, but I want the other one. He called, no, this is already bought by Michael Dean. I said, yeah, but I want that one. He said, after this one, I will make you. And said, okay, make me this and make me that.
Speaker A: They were supporting me during the pandemic.
Speaker D: There was a pandemic.
Speaker A: But then a lot of my clients
Speaker D: actually I have painted over a hundred paint. I think that's what earned more than being a designer.
Speaker C: That's how.
Speaker D: But because my first job is making clothes. That's why I have to continue this. But one day
Speaker A: because I'm assistant.
Speaker D: Because you have to have an assistant apprentice.
Speaker A: So Moto Shak.
Speaker D: But again, that's why I'm opening an RTW soon. Because I want to go back to painting because, you know, it's like breaking the monotony. Uh, I would still be there. I would still be doing clothes. But the RTW will help me M. Tone down a bit and do other things that I love. Have M, which is painting and then of course going out with friends dying here, there, travel abroad. Because the only time I'm not able to travel and stay long abroad because of my custom made.
Speaker A: You have to be there present.
Speaker D: Because it's custom made.
Speaker C: You're very hands on.
Speaker A: I'm very hands on because I have tailors.
Speaker D: I have 20, 30 now.
Speaker A: But this is, you know, they're artisans
Speaker D: that they are not the creative.
Speaker C: Is it correct? Designers micromanage. At some point you have to do this because specifics, instructions how to do it.
Speaker D: That's why I did not really make it really big and expand here and there. And like the other designers from Manila that they have partners, someone managing them. Because again, I let like what I told you back in Beirut. But this one is different. I'm alone, so I have to do the finances and I have to do the creative. But sometimes when it's mixed together, um, Deadline.
Speaker A: It's really that it's really the pain
Speaker D: and the headache is really that the delivery. Because you cannot tell them.
Speaker A: M. It's the same Virgin Mary, but you know, it's faith. You cannot tell them. So they have to be there. Because it has become a panatane.
Speaker C: Um,
Speaker A: but it's the same Virgin America by the national artist. M.
Speaker D: You know what I mean?
Speaker A: Time element for delivery.
Speaker D: Also, um, headache. Uh, delivery.
Speaker B: Yeah. And some things are really inevitable.
Speaker A: Because you cannot. You cannot. Okay? M.
Speaker D: Even with the death of my sister and my father, I love them so much. But I have to continue with my work. Because you have deadline. The show must go on. You will not stop in spite of anything.
Speaker A: Everything.
Speaker D: Just like the war there. Building.
Speaker A: So you have to continue. Even at war. You will not stop.
Speaker D: The world will not end.
Speaker A: I mean, the world will not stop turning.
Speaker D: It will not wait for you.
Speaker A: Correct?
Speaker C: Yes, that is correct.
Speaker D: Um, Mom.
Speaker B: Huh?
Speaker D: Next week. M? Next week? No, next week.
Speaker B: When your parents died.
Speaker A: My father.
Speaker B: Sorry.
Speaker D: My mother is so healthy at 95 years old. I love her so much. Your father is the reason why you have to wake up every day. Because I don't have time. Kids. I don't have children. So what keeps me going? Your mind wants to be, you know. Because I'm providing for my family. The chicken that lays the golden egg. So with my mom being alive at 95 years old, no history, being hospitalized. Yeah.
Speaker A: Artist idol. Idle. Really idle.
Speaker D: I wish I'm like you see. But how do you enjoy life other than enjoy food? So the best thing in life is eat, eating.
Speaker A: That's what we did.
Speaker D: I grew horizontally. But thank you to my coach. I lose weight because he gave me the plan.
Speaker B: M.
Speaker D: But that's why it's only been six months after.
Speaker A: No, I don't.
Speaker C: You don't?
Speaker A: I don't have time.
Speaker C: Well, I should get tired.
Speaker D: I wake up at 10. I sleep at 3amm. So by that time I wake up news and current events. So the moment I step out of my room, go there, work.
Speaker A: I don't have time.
Speaker D: And started to weigh food, you know. So, um,
Speaker C: can.
Speaker D: I'm fasting Incorrect. Because I used to have high sugar, which is 120 now after fasting, after the diet that was given to me that I have to follow religiously, I noticed I lose weight. I used to be 56. Now I'm 40. I'm just sharing with you guys because it worked. Fasting. I have, um, uric acid. I remember Misty, my angel Misty brought me to the hospital with the swollen legs. I attended the Turner in Manila on a wheelchair. Marikita Young was pushing her.
Speaker A: Um, Because I have to be there.
Speaker D: Yes, correct. For a month I was in a wheelchair.
Speaker C: Oh my God.
Speaker D: Tambal. Or you have to stop this specific food.
Speaker A: Just fasting.
Speaker D: Because of the fasting. Imohadeng Lawas has the ability to consume whatever is not supposed to be there. So natangtang akumuric acid. Natang Tang ang akong. Fat, liver, fatty liver. My high blood. I was never high blood. Healthy fruits. But the Tang Tang said two Akong high sugar. No, I'm 90 iron. From 120 high uric acid to the wheelchair.
Speaker B: That's good to know.
Speaker C: Yeah. Proper lungs, fasting.
Speaker D: I started to lose weight. I started to wear clothes. Um,
Speaker A: uh, uh, I can see myself. There's a monitor in front of me for those of you watching
Speaker D: for a long time. So I'm enjoying this one.
Speaker B: I want to get your controversial take. Or this is actually a controversial question. Social media. I wanted to get your thoughts on um, people imitating or copying the work of others.
Speaker D: Well before m emotional develop. It's.
Speaker A: You know what?
Speaker D: Ah, maybe I get inspiration, but I really develop the technique.
Speaker B: But you cannot control
Speaker D: sometimes you guess what. Towards the word inevitable. In inevitable you cannot avoid. In inimitable. There you the inevitable and inevitable and inimitable you want to be. That's two words separate sounds, almost the same one that cannot be copied supposedly. But one word is that you cannot help if you will be copied. So those two words, you cannot help it.
Speaker A: You can't copy. And. But sometimes it's.
Speaker D: Well, sometimes acknowledge you. But there are people who say, uh, I got this technique from Middle East. They thought that I got the technique from the Middle East. I was hired there because I have.
Speaker C: I've heard that yeah, you got the technique.
Speaker D: He also got this from Middle East. Uh, but Michael Cinco is not doing that. Ezra Santos and Fernon is not doing what I do because they respect me.
Speaker A: But some others just.
Speaker D: They want to discredit me.
Speaker A: They will say, a friend of mine
Speaker D: from the Middle east taught me this dear.
Speaker A: I was the original
Speaker B: from young inspiration.
Speaker A: And they thought.
Speaker D: Inspired from my work.
Speaker A: Correct?
Speaker D: Well, the technique may be, but there are also other designers who copy me exact.
Speaker C: The exact Jude.
Speaker D: Just today, Edwin Au sent me a photo if I made it. There's one lady in Operation Smile War One and he said, no, not me. So hi, Edwin. So Edwin Au send m me. I mean, hu Gao lag is. That's the word. I will not. I will not edit the fetty part.
Speaker A: So I remember also said, oh, Kari.
Speaker D: I attended an event and I went to her because, you know, myself and Marikita is wearing Carrie. So there's another lady that we don't know wearing you.
Speaker B: So I went to her.
Speaker A: This is true. Huh M. I went to her and
Speaker D: I asked is that a Carrie? And she said, no, this is from this designer. You know what Angao? She Replied oh, so that is fake. Oh my God.
Speaker A: She told me that exotic word. She told me that exact words.
Speaker D: So now I'm getting older. Yeah. Things are inimitable in inevitable. Inevitable. Because there's inimitable something that you cannot imitate.
Speaker A: There's nothing I can do.
Speaker D: But you cannot put it in your heart.
Speaker C: Every time.
Speaker D: I even, uh. There's one in Facebook.
Speaker A: Oh my God, this is so nice. A friend of mine taught me how
Speaker D: to make this one from Dubai
Speaker A: original.
Speaker D: M. It's the same technique designer who made a name for themselves. Themselves. They will not guide me. They respect my creativity. But again, you cannot put it in your heart.
Speaker B: Uh.
Speaker D: Because in any way point is clientele. M. And if someone will look at it from the quality alone.
Speaker C: M.
Speaker D: Taste is. Well, taste is personal. But sorry to say this, maybe people. But it's either you have it or you don't.
Speaker A: So sometimes they have the technique.
Speaker D: They got it there. It's already there. But it's really the editing, the taste. It has a bit of a carry.
Speaker A: M. It's not check as a parlor.
Speaker C: Yes.
Speaker D: Because sometimes in my age I'm 55. I will be in the next five years, 60 years old.
Speaker A: For what? For who?
Speaker C: Establish.
Speaker D: I will live in the world. For how long? Thinking of them. I want to live my life unedited, happy. For. For the remaining years.
Speaker C: Correct.
Speaker A: You like me. You like me.
Speaker D: You stay. If you don't like me, I don't like you too.
Speaker A: That's how life works. Now,
Speaker D: a lot of these young designers,
Speaker A: but okay,
Speaker B: you know, because sometimes they say imitation is the highest form of flattery.
Speaker D: Well, it's flattery when they acknowledge you can only get sour and kanang nil ad if it is like what I told you. I got original all I was about to post.
Speaker C: Control.
Speaker D: So it's been happening. My clients will not go to him or to that designer. They will go to me because they want know.
Speaker B: It's a brand.
Speaker D: Well, most of my clients are, you know.
Speaker A: Yes, of course.
Speaker D: I have to say, uh, your reputation.
Speaker A: Because the relationship. The relationship. It's really about the relationship.
Speaker D: Also not just the talent, not just the way.
Speaker A: And also trust. True. Yeah.
Speaker C: And your reputation as well.
Speaker B: Yeah.
Speaker D: I wanted to stay in the Chicasa parlor, but I have another thing to
Speaker A: do to wrap this up.
Speaker B: Uh, Mommy, I wanna. I think NASA fashion industry for, you know, young designers or designer.
Speaker D: Because the technical skill. If designer, um, you will have your taste, you will have your clothes. You have idea clients. But I think the virtue of honesty. Because once you have that one. Everything else follows. Clients trust you. They will continue, they will not stop, um, ordering from you because there's trust. So that will make the business. There's trust because your people will continue working with you.
Speaker A: Just like myself, 20 years. Because there's trust.
Speaker D: They trust me.
Speaker C: I trust them.
Speaker B: And you're honest with them.
Speaker D: You cannot just be creative. You cannot just be the most creative and the most talented one. And then there's no trust. That's why a lot of designers, they fail, even if they are the most talented, because they said casaligan. I think the word in Cebuan is casaligan, the trust. M. When you have the word casaligan, casaligan, kangama, um, deliver nimo casaligan. Because that trust might be broken, that you'll be able, you know, it's really honesty. It's the word trust.
Speaker A: As a designer, you cannot be a designer.
Speaker D: If you don't have the creative ability and the technical skill, then don't be a designer.
Speaker B: Correct.
Speaker D: You can have that. Even taste you can have. But trust is the most important for me is the word.
Speaker B: So that's the secret to a long
Speaker A: time M. Thank you so much and happy anniversary.
Speaker B: Thank you so much.
Speaker C: Yes. By the way, mother, is there anything new?
Speaker A: Yes. I'm so excited because this year of
Speaker D: last year, we did not have the Weddings at the Waterfront and everything was on hold. The creative, uh, side of the world, especially in Cebu, was for the meantime because the typhoon, the calamities that hit us. Yeah.
Speaker B: Last year.
Speaker D: So this year we have the weddings at the Waterfront. It's going to be on, um, September 6th at Atlantic Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel. So I'm inviting everyone to celebrate with us and we'll be very and he is sure invited.
Speaker B: Thank you, mommy Carrie for gracing our show, especially on our anniversary.
Speaker D: It's my pleasure and it's my honor. I have been waiting and been asking myself. Prepare k for your anniversary.
Speaker A: This is, uh, a. This.
Speaker D: The honor is mine.
Speaker A: Yes, of course.
Speaker C: That's why I want to invite. It's because I want to be there celebrate. So this is worth celebrating for. So thank you so much for creating our podcast, our second year anniversary.
Speaker D: Power to you guys.
Speaker B: And also if you've reached this part of the episode, thank you so much. We'd also like to thank our sponsors bash.
Speaker C: Yes, we would like to thank Vitalik Coffee, uh, um, Tofi Nut Skin Global Empire.
Speaker B: Thank you so much.
Speaker C: Please follow us in our social medias, um, Facebook, Instagram, tick tock and YouTube. Apple Podcasts. And Spotify.
Speaker B: Yes.
Speaker A: Almost.
Speaker B: Koana Tabash 10K on, um, YouTube.
Speaker D: Yes.
Speaker B: And then also on Spotify.
Speaker C: Keep on. Keep on sharing. Thank you so much for watching our episodes. And thank you so much once again, Mother Carrie Santiago, everyone.
Speaker B: I hope you guys enjoyed the episode.
Speaker C: Thank you. Enjoy. Thank you for staying with us for two years and two more, more, more, more years and anniversaries. Thank you.
Speaker A: Happy anniversary to us.
Speaker B: Happy anniversary once again. This is live, and you're listening to UCS PS Chakasa Parlor Season 5, your favorites. Who won? A Queer Duo here to stay.
Speaker C: Bye, everyone.
Speaker A: Bye. Check a ding. Thank you, Mommy.
Speaker B: Carrie.
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S5 | Ep. 12 Cast of A Quiet Bloom38 / 100
S5 | Ep. 9 Bayot Species24 / 100
S5 | Ep. 8 Cebu Pride Movement44 / 100
S5 | Ep. 7 Ang Kawatan31 / 100
S5 | Ep. 6 Main Character Syndrome - Pabida Syndrome25 / 100
