MS. PHILIPPINES 2015

MSPI20newarksymphony

hallPHOTOS BY: WILBUR VALEALEYSSI AGUSTIN

DESIGN BY:KaREN MAY CUNANAN

MSPI2015JANUARY 24

We asked the contestants of Ms. Philippines 2015how they would describe their

PERSONAL STYLE

PERSONAL STYLE

CLARISSA BAQUIRAN

FLIGHT’S

SENIORMUSIC MAJOR, MUSIC PRODUCTION/BUSINESS/LIBERAL ARTS MINORCUNY QUEENS COLLEGE

My personal style mostly involves street wear but I don’t let that solely define me. Music is one of my central passions, and I love when I am able to express that through fashion.

This #FREELIFE jersey in is special to me because it is designed by the Bixel Boys, a duo in the dance music scene. I admire them because they are an amalgamation of genres, and because the #FREELIFE mantra they created promotes being comfortable with oneself…I find that applicable in my life and in my beliefs.

Furthermore, 100% of the proceeds that come from purchasing the jersey are donated to Camp Kesem, a non-profit organization run by students that host summer camps for children with a parent who has (or has had) cancer.

It’s great to see popular artists use social media to draw attention to social causes. Similarly, contestants such as us girls in the Ms. Philippines pageant can do the same.

“THE #FREELIFE

MANTRA THEY

CREATED

PROMOTES BEING

COMFORTABLE

WITH ONESELF”

NERRICKA NALUNDASAN

PUSO’S

SENIORHEALTH SCIENCE MAJORDANCE MINORSTONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

NERRICKA NALUNDASAN

“REGARDLESS OF

THE CLOTHES A

WOMAN WEARS, HER

CONFIDENCE IS HER

MOST IMPORTANT

ACCESSORY.”

Every girl should definitely own a pair of high-waisted jeans. In my opinion, they accentuate a woman’s waist and elongate her legs, which is when I personally feel the most confident and sexy in my own body. When I’m not dancing with PUSO Modern, I like to wear clothing that is still comfortable yet flattering to my body-type. For example, I like using a neutral color palette for a classic and clean look but using statement accessories including necklaces and shoes to enhance the overall outfit. Regardless of the clothes a woman wears, her confidence is her most important accessory.

DANICA TALON

FUPAC’S

JUNIORCOMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA STUDIES MAJOR, COMPUTER SCIENCE MINORFORDHAM UNIVERSITY

From preppy chic one day to modern grunge another, my personal style is very eclectic. I love to play with bright prints, but I also love wearing all dark colors. I tend to spice up classic styles by combining modern pieces. I’m always open to try out new trends or bring back old ones. What trends are in style now aren’t as important as what pieces fit me well and what makes me feel comfortable.

There is no one person I take my style inspiration from because I am influenced by everyone from celebrities in magazines to people on the streets. I find myself inspired by different pieces rather than one person’s style. When I wake up every morning, I take one aspect and create an entire outfit around that. I’m passionate about fashion and aspire to showcase that with each and every outfit I create.

“I TEND TO SPICE UP CLASSIC STYLES BY COMBINING MODERN PIECES.”

LINDSAY AMBAT

PARE’S

JUNIORPHARMACY MAJORST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

LINDSAY AMBAT

PARE’S

I’m heavily inspired by male fashion. I’m very androgynous with my style but feminine enough where I’m not totally masculine. I aim for minimalism and I don’t like anything too gaudy, flashy or revealing. I never go for bright colors like pinks or neons; I usually wear dark colors, mostly navy blues and 50 shades of grey. I do try to make a palette with what I wear and not just try to stick to one hue.

I love finding old clothes and mixing and matching with new ones, just to see if it will work in an outfit or not. I also love looking at styles from the past and seeing if parts of it can fit into now. What I find great about fashion is that it can repeat itself and is limitless. I try to show my creativity and self through whatever I choose to wear.

“WHAT I FIND GREAT ABOUT FASHION IS THAT IT CAN REPEAT ITSELF AND IS LIMITLESS.”

AUDREY UGAY

POH’S

SENIORNEUROSCIENCE MAJORCUNY HUNTER COLLEGE

AUDREY UGAY

“LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY, MY STYLE TENDS TO HAVE URBAN INFLUENCE.”

“Your [clothes] should be tight enough to show you’re a woman, and loose enough to show you’re a lady,” Edith Head. My style always involves balancing out with layers; it helps me accentuate what I like, and conceal what I don’t. If I choose to wear something form fitting, I like to layer with a kimono or cable knit sweater. It gives the perfect amount of coverage so that I don’t feel as though I am overexposed, and it gives my outfit a pop of color.

Most often, I wear high-waisted bottoms to elongate my legs and highlight my petite frame, which is usually paired with some sort of crop top and heeled booties. It’s comfortable and versatile for different events and unpredictable weather. Living in New York City, my style tends to have urban influence. My inspirations include, but are not limited to, Audrey Hepburn, Emma Watson, and Shay Mitchell.

ALYSSA MARIE BALDERAMA

FASA’S

JUNIORPSYCHOLOGY MAJOR, SUBSTANCE ABUSE CERTIFICATION MINORRAMAPO COLLEGE OF NJ

“AS LONG AS I’M

COMFORTABLE

AND FEELING

CONFIDENT,

IT’S ALL THAT

MATTERS.”

As a child, I used to hate “girly” things. As I grew up, I learned to embrace my femininity. My personal style is very basic, but I love to amp it up with little accessories whether it be knee/thigh high socks, cute shoes, or jewelry. As long as I’m comfortable and feeling confident, it’s all that matters.

JUSTINE ENRIQUEZ

FACE’S

JUNIORNURSING MAJORWILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

JUSTINE ENRIQUEZ

FACE’S

“WHEN YOU KNOW YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD.”

My style is different. I would describe my personal style as a simple, laid back, but bold and comfortable look. Flowy and loose clothing are my go-to for every occasion with a mix of neutral colors. I’m so in love with the whole clean, simple, but edgy look. If I could have any celebrity’s closet, Shay Mitchell’s and Vanessa Hudgens’ is what I’d dream to have. When it comes to buying clothes and putting outfits together, I like to ask myself if it stands out- which is always my way of thinking towards anything. Why go throughout the day unnoticed? It’s like that saying, “When you know you look good, you feel good.” :)

APRIL RECILE

PAO’S

JUNIORPUBLIC RELATIONS MAJORCITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK

I like various looks and concepts, I prefer to keep my style as versatile as possible. I also like to switch my looks depending on my mood or the occasion. If I had to choose, my personal style would mostly fall into the urban street style. I find most of my comfort within street brands and sneakers, both of which could be styled up or down. I love textured, sleek, smooth, patterned or solid outfit pieces plus a thick gold chain. My style has developed on its own with some inspiration from Karmaloop’s head stylist Micah Mahinay. My favorite piece right now are my distressed Zara jeans and my sk8-hi Vans. I’m hoping to collect more sk8-his in various colors as these are my go-to kicks that I can wear with just about anything.

“IF I HAD TO CHOOSE, MY PERSONAL STYLE WOULD MOSTLY FALL INTO THE URBAN STREET STYLE.”

NIKKI MAPILI

IMPACT’S

SENIORPSYCHOLOGY MAJORCUNY YORK COLLEGE

NIKKI MAPILI

“THE MORE

I EXPLORE

THE WORLD,

THE MORE

MY STYLE

CHANGES.”

Shawn Corey Carter (alias Jay-Z) once said, “All black everything”, three words which have resonated deeply within my soul. But not because I have a dark soul -- I just wear a lot of black. Throw in a (faux) leather jacket and high-waisted pants and you pretty much have the perfect formula to make Little Nikki clones. However, I’d like to think that my personal style is constantly evolving.

My “fashion inspiration” comes from the people I see, whether it be a friend or a stranger on the subway. The more I explore the world, the more my style changes. But when it comes down to it all one thing will always remain the same, comfort > style.

KAREN MAE ENRIQUEZ

FLASH’S

JUNIORNURSING MAJORSETON HALL UNIVERSITY

KAREN MAE ENRIQUEZ

I’ve been in catholic school my whole life, so it wasn’t until I went to college that I had to start picking out an outfit everyday and try and get a grasp my own brand of style. It’s been three years now and I still haven’t honed in on one particular style, (laughs) mostly because almost every aspect of my life is eclectic -- and my choice in clothes are no exception.

My personal style depends on who I want to be that day: whether it be lazy, casual, simple, smart, confident, put together, over the top, glamorous, and sometimes maybe even a little scandalous. Whatever outfit I choose to wear that particular day is a message to the world saying ‘Hi, this is the type of person I feel like being today’. But not matter what mood I happen to be in, I have to be able to look in the mirror and smile at my reflection before I walk out the door. I also just turned 21 a few months ago, so now I’m slowly trying to incorporate looking semi-sophisticated while still looking casual and fun. My favorite articles of clothing are maxi dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits because they’re different but low maintenance – it’s easy to throw on when you have somewhere to go.

With all of that being said, my style inspirations vary from Vanessa Anne Hudgens to Selena Gomez to Angelina Jolie to Taylor Swift. Not just because they have different and fantastic tastes in clothing or the fact that they are all wonderful women, but because they all embody the three things I look for in myself when I try to pick out an outfit: confident, respectable, and relaxed in their own skin.

“I HAVE TO

BE ABLE TO

LOOK IN THE

MIRROR AND

SMILE AT MY

REFLECTION

BEFORE I

WALK OUT

THE DOOR.”

SAMANTHA DAMITO

NJIT FSA’S

FRESHMANBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAJORNEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

“CHIC, SOPHISTICATED, AND MODERN ARE THE WAY TO GO, WITHOUT BEING OVERDONE.”

Each day, I like to improvise with hand-me-down clothes to make new and novel outfits that suite both my mood and style. Chic, sophisticated, and modern are the way to go, without being overdone.

You can always find me accenting my outfits with accessories like belts, earrings, watches, and rings. I greatly value individuality and though I like to follow some of the latest trends, I don’t let them dictate what I wear on the outside or who I am on the inside.

JHANELL DIRECTO

SAMAHAN’S

SOPHOMOREBIOLOGY MAJORCOLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT

JHANELL DIRECTO

When I think of the words “personal style”, I believe it’s the outfit, along with the attitude, that truly describes who you really are. Through my personal style, I always try my best to show the world and everybody I come in contact with that I am a confident, powerful, and joyful young woman no matter what I wear. My outfit can range from jeans and sneakers to dresses and heels, but my personality remains constant 100% of the time.

Everyday I look forward to feeling good about myself and feeling good about what I have to offer. Looking good during these moments add on to the impact I imagine creating in the world. No matter if I’m wearing my favorite Polo bear shirt or my favorite gold heels that helped me through junior and senior prom of high school, I know that my style is 100% me everywhere I go. I believe that by creating a style you love, you start by creating the love you have for yourself. No style is greater than what you wear everyday outside that represents who you are in the inside.

“I BELIEVE IT’S

THE OUTFIT,

ALONG

WITH THE

ATTITUDE,

THAT TRULY

DESCRIBES

WHO YOU

REALLY ARE.“

JANNEL VARONA

RUN FSA’S

SENIORJOURNALISM MAJOR, VIDEO PRODUCTION MINORRUTGERS UNIVERSITY – NEWARK

I wear a lot of hats! ...and one of them is being a fashion journalist. My style inspiration is Carrie Bradshaw (you might know her as Sarah Jessica Parker.) She exudes confidence and beauty whether she is wearing Jimmy Choo shoes or Nike sneakers. I like to believe I also have that Carrie Bradshaw type of confidence in any ensemble I put on.

I wasn’t always into fashion. I can still remember the girl in her sixth grade class picture wearing a plain short sleeve shirt with long sleeves underneath (because it was “cool” back then!), flared-bottom jeans and heavy-looking sneakers. I had my hair pulled all the way back with my braces showing and Harry Potter glasses. I was a complete geek. Don’t get me wrong, I still am, just a more fashionable one. I love that memory though and the fact that Transformation Tuesdays exist. Black is never not incorporated into my daily wardrobes. It’s very rare to find a pop of color in my outfits.

“I WAS A COMPLETE GEEK. DON’T GET ME WRONG, I STILL AM, JUST A MORE FASHIONABLE ONE.”

KASSIE SOLDEVILLA

RAPS’S

KASSIE SOLDEVILLA

RAPS’S

SENIOREXERCISE SCIENCE MAJORRUTGERS UNIVERSITY – NEW BRUNSWICK

“I DRESS ACCORDING TO HOW I FEEL, HOW I WANT TO FEEL, AND HOW I WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO FEEL ABOUT ME.”

I dress according to how I feel, how i want to feel, and how I want other people to feel about me. I would describe my style as Chic, Sporty and Edgy. Sometimes I like to wear cute activewear to class and the gym, but then I change into a pair of heeled boots, high waisted jeans, and a cropped sweater to hang out with friends.

Fall is my favorite season to dress up. I absolutely love purple lipstick, cheetah print, dark bold colors and really warm, soft sweaters. My style inspiration is Vanessa Hudgens because she knows how to rock any style she tries out and always looks fierce.

JELLYN ECHON

MUFASA ’S

SOPHOMOREBUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION OF MANAGEMENT MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

JELLYN ECHON

Sophisticated, classy and chic - Those are the three words I would use to describe my personal style. I love dressing up, whether it’s to school, work or going out. Fashion and style are more than just clothes to me - It’s a lifestyle and I use it as a way to express who I am as an individual. I wear heels on a daily basis and love every moment of it. There’s just something about them and that added height that makes me feel better about myself in addition to making my day a little brighter.

My go-to outfit will always consist of an article or two of black, if not the entire outfit, topped off with a designer bag and of course, heels. As a college student, you’d think that one wouldn’t find the time to dress up but hey, I live by this: “Stressed. But well dressed” and always will.

“FASHION AND STYLE ARE MORE THAN JUST CLOTHES TO ME – IT’S A LIFESTYLE.”

VERONICA BALCE

IFA’S

JUNIORCOMMUNICATIVE SCIENCES AND DISORDERS MAJORNEW YORK UNIVERSITY

VERONICA BALCE

“I’M GLAD THAT I HAVE THE FREEDOM AND ANOTHER ART MEDIUM TO EXPRESS MYSELF, TO CHOOSE WHICH “ME” I WANT TO EMIT WITH THE OUTFITS I PICK.”

When it comes to my personal style I’ve realized that I gravitate towards earthy tones and pale pastels. I also have this undying attraction to modern, somewhat-oddly shaped articles of clothing or the opposite, any pieces of clothing with draping, especially at the sleeves. Even though one is structured in appearance while the other has a lack of, both styles emanate elegance that can be formal or casual. Overall, I try my best to construct my outfits so that they would look good for school, work, and any last minute events that happen within the same day. For that reason, I love minimalist, simple-chic clothes! It has the ability to give a casual kind of sophistication,

express a down-to-business aura, or, when paired with an accent, become a great night-outing outfit. But when I’m in a rush, my go-to-outfit is usually a draping cardigan or any cropped sweater with a pair of high-waisted pants and black flat-ankle booties. However, my tastes are ever-changing and because of this I’m glad that I have the freedom and another art medium to express myself, to choose which “me” I want to emit with the outfits I pick.

JEAMARIE DE PAZ

FUSION’S

SOPHOMOREBUSINESS COMMUNICATION WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN GRAPHICSCUNY BARUCH COLLEGE

JEAMARIE DE PAZ

“I THINK WHAT MAKES MY STYLE UNIQUE IS THAT MY STAPLES ARE PIECES THAT I’VE GOTTEN FROM MY MOM.”

Lately, I’ve unintentionally gravitated towards comfy neutral colored clothing-- oversized flannels, sweaters, cozy scarves that can be used as blankets and leggings paired with statement necklaces.

I think what makes my style unique is that my staples are pieces that I’ve gotten from my mom, like my favorite leather backpack and jean jacket. Also, my love for Christmas socks is paralleled by none (except maybe my ate).

GILLIAN VALERA

PASALUBONG’S

JUNIORGENERAL SCIENCE MAJORBERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

My personal style can be defined as casual and sweet but still really classic. I’m mostly in clothing that feels comfortable for the day while still ready to look my best for any occasion. I look mostly to the 1950s, and the sassiness of a pin-up girl when deciding what to do with my hair and make up.

My favorite article of clothing is my gold cross necklace that my mom gave to me. It’s the only thing I wear during all 4 seasons, and I would rather pick it over any other necklace I own. My go-to outfit definitely changes throughout the year but for fall & winter it’s always an infinity scarf, my fav skinny jeans or black leggings, tan booties, and a big ol’ cardigan that I can bury myself into.

I’m a firm believer in, “it’s not what you wear but how you wear it”, and that presence is key; It’s all about the confidence I carry when rockin’ whatever I have on. If I don’t think I look good, then I sure as hell won’t feel good, honey.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE

CONFIDENCE I CARRY WHEN

ROCKIN’ WHATEVER I

HAVE ON.”

INAH BUNALES

FUNK’S

SOPHOMOREBIOLOGY PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY MAJOR, HEALTH EDUCATION MINORKEAN UNIVERSITY

“MY STYLE EXPRESSES HOW CONFIDENT AND BRAVE ENOUGH TO GO OUT IN THE WORLD DRESSING UP IN A UNIQUE WAY.”

When I was young, I did not know much about style. I always dressed up as a tom boy with jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Later on in high school, I started dressing up like a girl. My style became a vintage look. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Lady Gaga inspired my personal style.

My style is out of the ordinary where people are afraid of using colors, textures, and patterns. It expresses how confident and brave enough to go out in the world dressing up in a unique way.

GLEN ANNA ABELLANA

FAST’S

FRESHMANMECHANICAL ENGINEERING MAJORSTEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Fashion allows you to become anyone you want to be. In a way fashion let’s you become a chameleon by constantly changing your style. I get inspired by everyone around me. Living across New York City there are hundreds of people who’s sense of style is so out there that it gives me the guts to think outside the box of how I dress.

I like to mix match different pieces even if they might not go together. However, my favorite part of the outfit has to be shoes. Shoes are definitely my weakness. They help define the outfit and even give a pop of color when your wearing drab colors. Fashion is constantly changing and I hope to continue to be inspired by others to build up my very own sense of style.

“FASHION ALLOWS

YOU TO BECOME ANYONE

YOU WANT TO BE.”

“FASHION ALLOWS

YOU TO BECOME ANYONE

YOU WANT TO BE.”