LOVE, MARINA: An Iconic Celebration of Filipino Fashion in Print and on the Runway

Far Eastern University (FEU), in partnership with Tesoros, presents a special book talk and fashion presentation for LOVE, MARINA on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM at Tesoros Makati.

Written by Vicky Veloso-Barrera and edited by Thelma San Juan, LOVE, MARINA is a lovingly curated coffee table book that pays homage to pioneering designer Marina Reyes Antonio.

Marina Reyes Antonio

The book honors Marina’s impeccable sense of style, meticulous attention to detail, and ingenious innovations that shaped generations of women’s fashion. Both a visual inspiration and a practical guidebook, it captures treasured memories from family, friends, and clients, weaving together personal recollections with archival images that celebrate a remarkable design legacy.

The event highlights a book talk offering deeper insights into Marina’s life, work, and enduring influence on Filipino fashion.

Complementing the conversation is a fashion presentation featuring creations from four generations of designers whose work reflects the evolution of Filipiniana and couture craftsmanship.

Marina Reyes Antonio, who began her career in the 1930s, belonged to a pioneering generation of women designers. Her love of Filipiniana was expressed through masterful construction, delicate hand-rolled floral embellishments, and fine hand painting—hallmarks of her timeless elegance.

Malu Veloso brings romance and femininity to life through lace, embroidery, and intricate beadwork. Her collections feature both pastel and vibrant hues, expressed in classic silhouettes and figure-flattering styles that embody grace and refinement.

Letlet Veloso introduces bold imagination to formal wear. Known for her adventurous use of embellishment, eye-catching colors, and edgier interpretations of Filipiniana, she creates silhouettes that reflect contemporary sophistication while honoring heritage.

Representing the fourth generation, Hannah Barrera explores the sculptural possibilities of haute couture. Drawing inspiration from the innovative classicism of great European designers, she crafts couture pieces distinguished by structure, artistry, and a unique modern signature.

This invitation-only event celebrates intergenerational artistry, heritage, and the enduring power of Filipino design.

LOVE, MARINA is available for purchase through TAMS Bookstore at TamsBookstore@feu.edu.ph and at Tesoros 1016, A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. 

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David Haldane's "A Tooth in my Popsicle" launches this March 7

What started as a story of desperation turned into a beautiful transformation.

Mindanao Gold Star Daily columnist David Haldane shares his adventures as he uproots himself and his wife, Ivy, to the magical Philippine Island of Siargao in a new book entitled A Tooth in My Popsicle. The book will be launched on Tuesday March 7, 2023, 3PM at the Ortigas Foundation Library, 2F, McKinley Building (on top of Unimart), Greenhills Shopping Center.

The story recalls Haldane’s journey leaving his life in Los Angeles, California, to move to his wife’s hometown on the famous but oh-so-foreign island paradise.

The book is a compilation of essays about his experience from first inviting his now-wife to America for a new life to the beauty of hope with two young children.

David Haldane is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer with over twenty years of experience at that publication. His two previous books are the award-winning memoir, Nazis & Nudists, and a short-story collection called Jenny on the Street.

“I wrote this book to tell the story of a transformative adventure, sometimes frightening, often frustrating, occasionally hilarious, but always, I hope, entertaining,” Haldane explained.

“I hope A Tooth in My Popsicle motivates other dreamers to pursue what their hearts truly desire.”

When David’s not writing books, he produces a weekly newspaper column called Expat Eye, for one of Mindanao’s premiere news outlets, the Mindanao Gold Star Daily.

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Miss Celia Diaz-Laurel launches a book on her thespian life

How do we immortalize our life? Many would like to become legends and those we look up to open the pages and write themselves a book. On her 93rd birthday, Ms Celia Diaz-Laurel gives as a read about her life in marriage with the arts in a coffee table book called "My Lives Behind the Proscenium" - something that she has worked on this time of pandemic and we think that it could be a good time to share her story.

A mother, wife, philanthropist, writer, painter, thespian, theater production and costume designer, she dedicates her book to the women and men whose encouragement and confidence helped her become an actress namely: Mother IMMACULADA (Assumption Convent); WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO (UP Dramatic Club, University of the Philippines); SONIA RIFKIN and DOÑA TRINING LEGARDA (Manila Community Players); JAMES B. REUTER S.J. (Ave Maria Players and The Cathedral Players); CONSTANCE WELCH (Drama Department, Yale University); BEHN CERVANTES (who persisted in urging her to write this book about her life in the theatre); and husband SALVADOR ‘DOY’ LAUREL, who understood her calling and allowed her to grow not only as an actress but as a person.

 

The book chronicles the life that Celia Diaz Laurel led with chapter titles: Stage-struck at Five, Wartime Years, Dramatic UP Days, Yale Years, Back to the Stage at Repertory Philippines.

“Celia has written an entertaining story about her theatrical life in a straightforward, simple, style that not only will give the curious reader an insight into her life and the social milieu of her time but is a historical narrative of the early years of Manila theatre and the personalities who were part of it. She writes about her early personal life as the background for the successful career she carved out for herself—not only as an actress but as a set and costume designer,” wrote Joy Virata in the foreword of the book.

 
Celia Diaz Laurel shares her insights about her book -- how she so much enjoyed her life as an artist, how she impacts the people she works with, and most of all, to share art to the audience.

MY LIVES BEHIND THE PROSCENIUM is edited by Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Cocoy Laurel; Dulce Festin-Baybay (Editorial Consultant), Miriam R. Castillo (Project Coordinator), Sarah L. Sanz (Photo Editor), Nestor Amador Malgapo Jr. (Book Design and Cover). Printed by GA Printing.

For book reservations and inquiries, kindly please contact Ms. Jenn Tejada c/o 88697298 Mon. - Fri. 1pm - 5 pm. Online orders can be placed on May 29 Facebook Live launch www.facebook.com/CeliaDiazLaurel.

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Segundo Matias Jr launches Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan

This is the first time that I attended Manila International Book Fair and was able to catch the launch of Segundo Matias Jr's fourth book of Moymoy Lulumboy. Though I've been seeing the series before, this is also the first time that I actually bought copies for my own. I need to start from Book 1 - Ang Batang Aswang and continue to the latest release, "Dulot ng Digmaan."

Moymoy Lulumboy Book 4: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan cover

The set from Books 1-4.

Checking out this new world of mythical creatures and epic adventures with Moymoy Lulumboy, now he's age 14. And during the launch, we were given a special show by the thespians of PETA where they gave a preview of what's in store of the book.

This series feature our local creatures -- from manananggal, tikbalang and likes to new additions by Segundo Matias Jr. Derived from his own creativity and matched with Jomike Tejido's exquisite illustrations, we are immersed in Moymoy's adventure in the magical realm of Gabun. Introduce this book to your children and support our local fictions and myth writers.

Segundo Matias  Jr. also dedicates this book to his mentor, renowned writer, Ricky Lee, who was also present during the launch.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan is available in leading bookstores through Lampara Books Publishing.

with Segundo Matias Jr. (author)

with Jomike Tejido (illustrator) during the launch

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THE KING AND I bids farewell, but leaves a memorable keepsake

it's been 8 months since Resorts World Manila's multi-awarded musical, The King and I bids farewell on its final show on Sunday, May 26, 2013. the extravagant show that left us with colorful memories and wonderful story of Anna and the King of Siam will end but it leaves us with a wonderful keepsake that we can open again and again.

Something Wonderful, The King and I's Coffee Table book will be available soon for us to look on the beginnings and the extravagance of the show. with words from the production team and the cast, numbers that will make us overwhelmed and appreciate it more, and how the musical has transformed and inspired lives compiled in a memorabilia that is well-planned and executed by the creative team of  Resorts World Manila and Ultimate Entertainment.

The King and I has garnered several awards like Winner of the 2012 ALIW Award for Best Musical Production, it featured such thespians as Leo Tavarro Valdez, Nonie Buencamino, and Bo Cerrudo who all played the gallant King Mongkut, plus Monique Wilson, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Sheila Valderrama who all played the poised Anna Leonowens.

during its launch, May 21, special supporters were able to receive a copy each of Something Wonderful like the Department of Tourism and National Library. Something Wonderful, The King and I Coffee Table book will be sold at Php 3,500 at National Bookstores.

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