Outwit, outplay, outclass

Like true survivors, Filipinos who have excelled in the international circuit have battled against the toughest competitors.

That Filipinos can be at par with the best of the world thus becomes not only a possibility but a reality.

Tina Maristela Ocampo, best known for world-class Celestina bags, is one of the renowned locals who took the global fashion circuit by storm.

Hollywood icons and Vogue magazine parade her A-list designs. To date, Celestina bags sell like hotcakes in 82 stores worldwide.

But her global stature didn’t stop Tina from making the Philippines part of her stops. Her Black Shop, since 1989, has become a huge trendsetter for corporate fashion. Her unique designs have made business wear look less uptight and much cooler. But designs that make a difference never come easy. They take a lot of creative juices to make them unique. Rajo Laurel spent his childhood years sketching the day away with his own concepts of gowns and dresses. After winning accolades like the Air France Young Designer’s Award, ASEAN Young Designers Competition in Singapore, the Smirnoff Fashion Design Awards and the Asia Collection Makuhari Grand Prix ’97, Rajo was ready to begin another journey. This time, it is in building his house of worship. The House of Laurel, built with the support of his family, continues to be the most in-demand place for high-quality haute couture in the country.

Tweety de Leon, once known as Faye in Okay ka Fairy Ko television sit-com, didn’t exactly rely on anything supernatural for her bead shop Ice Crystals. But the quality of her beadworks can be just as special – even personal. Her four outlets of personalized trinkets in various Rustan’s Essenses across the metro are fairing well. Also, she banks on further business savvy with De Leon jewelry for global consumption. Since November 2006, Tweety has been exporting her precious gems to international destinations, including premier British designer Paul Smith.

As far as personal style goes, Patrice Ramos-Diaz revels on the “freedom” to convey her own ideas, not having to rely so much on standard rules in today’s fashion. After joining local and international competitions, Patrice was prepared to embark on her own business venture. She became every bride’s best friend, what with her collection of tasteful, classy bridal gowns that people are willing to pay a lot for. Her bridal shop in Salcedo, soon to be called Patrice Bridal, remains one the most fashionable for those planning to walk down the aisle.

But for those who have to walk down the ramp, it doesn’t end with just the dress. Accessories, like designer bags, lead to a shining moment. Bea Valdes makes this possible. Her designs have become so phenomenal that she was even a member of the Accessories Council of America. Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harvey Nichols can’t get enough of her bags. Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and W Magazine, International Tribune, The New York Times, the London Financial Times and even Newsweek International keep featuring them in their pages. Bea’s secret was that her line of bags is distinctly individual, nothing identical – thus making Filipino designs worth clamoring for.World-class designers and entrepreneurs Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rajo Laurel, Tweety de Leon, Patrice-Ramos Diaz and Bea Valdes are among the featured celebrity entrepreneurs in the collection of stories entitled Go Negosyo: Joey Concepcion’s 50 Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories (Celebrity Edition). The book, published by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship and spearheaded by PCE Founding Trustee and Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III, was recently launched at the Music Hall of Mall of Asia.

The Go Negosyo Celebrity book is presented by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with Smart Communications, San Miguel Corp., SM Mall of Asia, Hyundai Asia Resources, Pagcor, Globe, Business Entrepreneurs School of Asia, RFM Corp., Philippine STAR, Belo Medical Group, Concepcion Durables, Ariel Detergents, Banco de Oro, Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte Province of Camarines Sur, Splash Corp., Nokia Philippines, GMA Network Inc., QTV 11, Kettle Korn, Penshoppe, Ayala Corp., Hapee Toothpaste, Folded and Hung, Sterling Paper Group of Companies, Bobson Jeans, National Bookstore, SM Supermalls, Philamlife, Aspac Law, M. Lhuillier, Creativoices and the President’s Social Fund. –Go Negosyo team, The Philippine Star