For styling jobs, most of the time you always have to source out the clothes that the client or model is going to wear. For Dr. Manny Calayan, he just wanted us to work with what he had in his closet. With a simple guy like him, it took us some time to get the look we want. 

We were tasked to style him for Calayan Surgicenter’s new promos and campaigns.

This is what we (Mara and I) originally wanted but, we have to scrap it. The colors are nice and they go well together but, we have to give our client a “working doctor” feel. This look screams young and playful.

This is one of the looks that we did. It’s fresh and casual but it can still pass for the look. 

For shoes, we had a lot of choices-

we went for the classic LV ad Hermes.

This one is for the more serious look. We went for gray and black because we wanted to go away from the usual combination of black blazer and white shirt. 

Aside from this shoot, we also styled the outfits that he brought to Las Vegas for the Pacquiao Bradley fight. We had to prepare for three outfits- one for the press conference, one for the weigh in, and one for the fight itself. 

I really enjoyed this experience, but styling is not as easy as it looks.

Who knew that with styling, you need to have strong arms. Carrying boxes and clothes is not easy. Aside from that, you always have to consider the style of the client. I’m happy that Dr. Manny is very flexible and he is open to ideas.

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

June 21, 2012 - That night, there was only one place to be - Seventh High. With shades of red, MEG Magazine celebrated it’s 14th anniversary with a smashing party for all the bold and young women of today. 

Patty Laurel, host of the night, wearing Mara Chua. She is also the host of the upcoming reality show, “I AM MEG: Own the World in Style”

If you are an avid MEG Magazine reader, you would probably be familiar with the MEG Face search. When it started, the search and contest was only done through the magazine. Then with the birth of social media, they took it up to Facebook. Now, MEG Magazine took it to another level by making it into a reality show. This time, the winner be the cover of the magazine and she will also be the first to be MEG’s first ever style ambassador.

Fun fact: June covergirl Marian Rivera was also a contestant in the MEG Face search a few years back.

The top 12 was introduced one by one. I know one contestant personally. Some are siblings of your favorite bloggers, some you might have already seen on TV and some are really fresh faces.

Since this year is MEG’s 14th anniversary, it would be perfect to have 14 contestants. MEG Magazine surprised the audience by revealing that there would be 2 more girls from the top 30 that would be joining the Top 12.

The girls had to do something in 15 seconds that would make the audience vote for them. Bianca Gonzales, the editor-at-large of MEG was the one tasked to announce who will be joining the top 12.

There you have it! The top 14 candidates. They are now one step closer to become MEG’s first ever Style Ambassador. Get to know these girls on iammeg.ph

Of course, I was also wearing red for the night. It’s really difficult to find the perfect red dress for myself. So, instead of stressing out and going to the mall to find one, I just had one made. 

Black fold over clutch from A.L.T. Manila

I love dresses that are conservative in front and sexy at the back.

Red Dress, Mara Chua  Hype this look here.

Thanks to MEG magazine for inviting me!

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

I miss college so much that I had to go back - just for one day. It was a perfect day to visit since I have some things that I needed to claim from my beloved alma mater. Ateneo, has been so good to me. It was four years of memories that I will treasure forever.

For those who don’t know, most of the places and classrooms in Ateneo are not air-conditioned. So, dressing up to stay fresh and comfortable throughout the day is a must! 

Striped cropped top, STYLE HUB 

Black bag, Thrifted

Black Flats, Oysho

Accessories, F21

Cream cardigan with ribbon detail, Taipei + black high waist shorts, Wisdom

cream and black striped cropped top STYLE HUB + cardigan with ribbon detail, Taipei + black shorts, Wisdom + black flats, Oysho + accessories, F21

After walking around under the scorching heat, I had to reward myself with a refreshing drink from one of my favorite hang-out places in Katipunan — Serenitea!

Honestly, after going back to Ateneo, a lot of “i should have’s” popped into my head. I can’t really do anything about that anymore. As much as I’d want to go back and relive the moments, that can’t happen. I have to move on. Move forward. 

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

Florence, Italy - One of the most beautiful and preserved cities i’ve been to. One interesting fact about Florence is that it is built on top of an old Roman city. That is why they do not have any underground passages or underground railway. I just wished Manila has the heart to preserve our buildings and sight-lines.

We saw this couple having their pre-wedding photos taken. Sweet! <3

Greg and Nick + Team Philippines!

With Jimmy (our contiki tour manager) and Marian

We did a lot of walking in Florence since their streets are small. At this point, I realize that the best way to experience the city is by walking. So, no matter how much my feet hurt, no complaining.

Basilica di Santa Croce - This is the burial place of Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli and other great Italian artists and scientists.

Carlo Collodi, the writer of Pinocchio is born in Florence - Pinocchio is the only story that he wrote in his life.

Italian gold? This is the street to find it - there are stores left and right that sells really expensive and beautiful jewelry.

I took a photo of this store because this reminds me so much of my favorite childhood outfits - dress + mary janes + lace socks.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Flore - this cathedral is built on top of an old roman church.

This is what we, tourists, do best.

These kids are so adorable. I wish our field trips are like this.

If only history lessons are done like a walking tour, I think I could have learned so much more. I think I learned more about western history in 14 days compared to one year of western history in high school. Well, that’s why we must travel- there’s so much to learn!

It was finally time to say goodbye to France. It was sad that we had to leave France, but I was pretty much excited for Italy as well. Pisa is our first stop. 

Nutella Go! I saw this during our stopover enroute to Pisa, Italy.

My first taste of Italian food! I’m loving the food in Europe. Everything is so fresh. Plus, I love cheese!

My favorite dog walking around Pisa! <3 

Duomo - As far as I remember, this is where people get baptized. They always have a separate venue for baptismal apart from the cathedral.

Leaning tower of Pisa

The weather was great and clouds were perfect. I had a photo of myself trying to hold the leaning tower…well…the background was so perfect that it looks like I was just photoshopped in the photo. 

Our tour group had a rule, we should eat at least one gelato everyday!

I had my first gelato in Pisa!

Spring blooms- I love the weather that day.

We just stayed in Pisa for an hour or so. The time is not actually short, it was just enough to see the tower, take photos, get some gelato and souvenirs. 

After Pisa, we were off to Florence. I’ll be posting that soon!

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

Random photographs from last week.

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

I did this outfit post in less than five minutes. I did some errands and all sorts of things that I did not notice that I was running late for a dinner with friends.

Scarf prints are everywhere. I love this trend. It immediately adds class and sophistication to an outfit. To prevent it from looking like an old lady’s shirt, I paired it with shorts to keep it young and fresh.

Gold Necklace, VERSACE

Nave blue heels with ribbon detail, Stradivarius

Scarf print top, Pink Manila + Pastel pink shorts, H&M + Assorted Bangles, F21

Hype this in lookbook here.

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

After our Southern experience in France, we were off to Monaco for the night.

This is the Grace Kelly cliff. Grace Kelly lost control of her car then fell down on this cliff - thus the moniker.

Can you see the Grand Prix tracks + the grandstand? It was exciting to imagine it filled with people, noise and everything else. 

Our tour manager told us to dress up. Just to be in sync with the whole Monaco mood.

With my gorgeous friend who I helped style for the night! 

Remember the skirt I wore in PH Fashion Week? I didn’t really bring anything dressy enough so I bought that skirt to wear in Monaco.

This is the Palace of Monaco. There’s supposed to be a flag raised on the left tower to signify whether the royal family is in the house. 

Even their telecom logo is inspired by the Grand Prix!

One interesting fact about me is that I love cars; I love the humming sound of the car engine. I get so excited when I finally saw some beautiful cars lined up and parked outside of the hotels and casino’s.

I just had to do this. It’s a RED FERRARI. Tourist mode is definitely on! 

The Monte Carlo Casino. Where high rollers roll. The entrance fee costs €10 and the minimum bet is also around the same. That’s already spending more than 1,000 pesos just to get in and play.

Honestly, no matter how much I love Monaco, there’s really nothing much to do here. Aside from the casinos and bars there are only a few other options. Don’t get me wrong, Monaco is a beautiful country. I had fun and I love the experience it’s just that, if you’re not really into casino’s, bars and high-end shopping, there’s really, only a handful of options left to do. 

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

After Paris, our next destinations are in the south of France. I did not know what to expect since the areas are not the usual tourist spots. Here are some snippets from my adventure!

CHATEAU DE CRUIX, BOURJOLAIS REGION, FRANCE

Chateau de Cruix

Wine tasting + cheese and crackers

Sleepy head in tourist mode! 

AVIGNON, FRANCE

Papal Palace

Cathedral de Avignon

Jambon et Fromage Omelette 

The food in Avignon is a mix of Italian and French (Avignon is close to Italy). Since we are still in france, I went for the Omelette. I’ll save the pizza and pasta for Italy.

This bridge was started by a 7 year old kid. When the villagers saw him making it, they helped him finish the bridge. Unfortunately, it collapsed years after because of an earthquake.

GRASSE, FRANCE

We dropped by Fragonard Perfumerie when we were on our way to Antibes. Fragonard makes the scents for Chanel (Chanel No.5) and other famous labels. They create such beautiful scents and their perfumes are way cheaper than the ones sold in Paris. I wanted to get a few but I already did my perfume shopping in Paris.

NICE, FRANCE

Museum of Modern Art, Nice

Trying to copy Marilyn

By looking at my outfit, you can already tell that the weather has changed. The weather in Europe is beyond weird. When we were in Nice, the sun is so hot that you could get a sunburn but, once your in the shade and the wind blows, my…you’re going to freeze.

The view on top of the Chateau in Nice. Breathtaking! (literally and figuratively) You have to go up more than 150 steps to see this view but, it’s worth it! You can see the beach, the city - Oh! The contrast between the blue and red is beautiful!

The south of France is very different from Paris. From what I have noticed, it is already a mix of culture, architecture, food and everything else. You can actually see the gradual change in scenery the more you travel south. It’s more old and rustic…but then more colorful in a way. It’s more laid back, very different from the fast, busy and crowded streets of Paris.

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

This is what I wore to my styling job the other day. It was a first actually. Together with Mara, we styled the outfits of a man who is enroute to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Bradley fight. I want to tell you so much more but, that’s all I can say for now. 

Chain Necklace, F21 + Cream top with zipper detail, greenhills

These are my favorite accessories as of the moment. I want to use them everyday!

Gold Watch, Casio + Studded Bracelets, F21

Gold Glitter Ballerina’s, Stradivarius

Brown Belt, Top Shop + Orange Floral Shorts, WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

The shorts I’m wearing is actually part of Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing *supposed to be* Spring Summer 2012 Collection. It was never continued because both Mara and I became really busy during the summer. We love these pair of shorts so much that we thought it would be such a waste if we won’t give you guys a chance to get one.

So what are you waiting for? Head on to Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! Hurry! I believe there are only a limited number of pieces made. 

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

This was shot last week. I just saw some random flowers in my mom’s office and I thought it was too pretty to let go. This post remained untitled until I saw the trailer of of Perks of Being a Wallflower

I found myself digging up buried memories from high school. High school, well the early parts of it, was not a smooth ride for me. I was a transfer student. A newbie. A stickout thumb. A shy, non-sociable, foreign looking being in a high school with a population of about 3000. I found friends early…or so I thought I did.

Vintage Gold Watch, Casio + Accessories, Forever 21

Tank Top with Floral Print, Pirouette + Black Skirt with leather band, WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

It was not even a month or two, I found myself being bullied by the same people who I recognized as my clique or barkada. There was an incident where they threw coins at me during our physical education class. Others started rumors about things that I never did. It was not easy at all. Well, because of that incident, I found new friends. The real ones this time. They were the one’s responsible for giving me courage to fight back and stand up for myself. 

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld

Versailles is a suburb of Paris. It’s only 20 kilometers away but it seems like it’s detached from the whole world - it still retains it’s grandeur. While walking around, I was actually imagining how it would be like to be a princess and actually live in a palace that is as beautiful as this. 

Napoleon’s Uniform. Funny how I thought that those shoulder thingies and those details on the chest are made from thread. I never knew they were made from metal.

When inside the palace, always look up. 

Marie Antoinette’s bedroom

When in Versailles, you must eat in Angelina’s

The Dragon Fountain

Standing in between the columns of the Grand Trianon Summer Castle

The blue + the bright yellow is divine!

The furniture inside the Grand Trianon is so beautiful. I want to make a house inspired by these chairs!

Me and my friends went biking around the lake of Chateau de Versailles. It was an experience to remember <3

We just have to stop here and take a photo. Look at that breathtaking view at the back.

My biking skills are the worst; I only learned how to bike when I was in fourth year high school. When I was biking in the gardens of Versailles, I didn’t know if the weather was actually cold or I was just so nervous not to fall into the lake. It’s probably a mix of everything.

I love this place! It made me live my princess dream even for just a day. I wish I brought a ball gown and a tiara with me!

© Chase Chua | chasingtheworld