For more than a century, The Manila Bulletin has chronicled the biggest news and events both locally and internationally. Staying true to its tagline, “The Exponent of Philippine Progress,” it has reported on the latest innovations in technology, Filipino achievements across various fields, and advancements in governance and nation-building.
But what has also brought its pages to life are stories that focus on people and their way of living—stories that allow readers to dream and inspire them to improve their lives. The Manila Bulletin has become a gateway to culture, leisure, and fashion, thanks to its lifestyle columnists. In the early 1970s, Carmen Perez, then the Home and Culture and Society editor, offered a glimpse into the lives of the Philippine elite through her column Day and Night. Her successor, Ethel Timbol, reported on the latest in lifestyle through Pacesetters, while legendary Filipino couturier Christian de Leon Espiritu helped readers better understand runway shows with his column In My Own Fashion.
Though often categorized as soft news, fashion and beauty reporting demands storytelling that goes beyond the standard 5Ws and 1H of journalism. “To lifestyle journalists, all that is just background information,” The Manila Bulletin’s current lifestyle editor, AA Patawaran, wrote in his article Underneath Your Clothes. “A huge part of lifestyle journalism is creative writing. Style, pizzazz, imagination, and sophistication are often required—maybe even fiction. Yes, lots of literature!”
As The Manila Bulletin celebrates its 125th anniversary, it takes a retrospective journey through its most stylish stories, seen through the eyes of its past and present columnists. They explain why fashion and beauty reporting matters and how it has elevated readers’ lives and their relationship with style.
Fashion journalism serves as a mirror of the times
Barge Ramos was the author of the column A Matter of Style, published in The Manila Bulletin’s C’est la vie section in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a fashion designer and mentor to budding creatives, Barge sought to introduce readers to the intricate creative process behind fashion—exploring the challenges of translating inspiration into fabric and embellishments, as well as the philosophy, heart, and soul behind designers’ work.
His column featured designers such as The Queen of Knits Lulu Tan-Gan, the late Ito Curata—who made a name for himself dressing Hollywood actress Sharon Stone—and couturier Roy Gonzales, who spent decades in Paris working for Pierre Cardin, Jean Patou, and Lecoanet Hemant. A Matter of Style spotlighted designers “who are not blinded by trends and choose their own paths in the fashion industry.”
“Fashion journalism is important because it is not just about clothing,” Barge said. “World events, history, and societal changes influence fashion. Different cultures have shaped fashion across time, and fashion journalism serves as a mirror of the era we live in.”
It enriches our lives by highlighting beauty, meaning, and the power of self-expression
Noted stylist and creative director Daryl Chang became part of The Manila Bulletin in the late 2000s through her column Smoke N Decaf. Daryl envisioned her column as “a space where readers could explore fashion for the first time alongside those who already knew it well.” She delved into more than just runway reviews and trends—her stories examined culture, identity, and the narratives we tell through what we wear.
For Daryl, fashion is most powerful when it feels real and relevant, whether through a cultural shift, an emerging street style movement, or a quiet yet bold evolution in silhouette. She aimed to balance timeless stories with timely ones, providing readers with both inspiration and thought-provoking content.
“Before social media, fashion journalism was the bridge between the industry and the audience,” Daryl said. “It was how people discovered trends, movements, and the deeper stories behind them. Fashion journalism captures more than just clothing—it mirrors society, documenting how we express ourselves and what we value as a culture. Through storytelling in style, it fosters creativity, highlights individuality, and records our evolving identities. Even today, it enriches our lives by reminding us of the beauty, meaning, and power of self-expression.”
It also preserves heritage and craft traditions
Pierra Calasanz-Labrador’s Fifi’s Finds column initially focused on uncovering fashion treasures—spotlighting unique shopping finds. Over time, it evolved into a platform that championed Filipino craftsmanship and homegrown brands, even before supporting local initiatives reach its peak.
Pierra was always on the lookout for interesting fashion pieces and brand/artisan stories that were not only beautiful, unique, and inspiring but also proudly Filipino. Some of the brands she featured included Anthill Fabric Gallery and Helena Alegre Sculptural Jewelry.
“Fashion journalism may sound trivial to some, but it’s not just about keeping up with trends or promoting consumption,” Pierra says. “It’s also about preserving heritage and craft traditions, highlighting style innovations, and—at its simplest—bringing a dose of aesthetic joy to turbulent times. Even better when we celebrate our own stories. True fashion journalism connects people with sartorial finds that resonate personally, emboldening us to be the most fabulous version of ourselves.”
Beauty reporting sheds light on cultural narratives, gender expression, and personal identity
Makeup artist Jake Galvez used his #AskJakeG column to showcase how makeup and skincare serve as powerful tools for self-expression. His stories made beauty accessible to everyone—regardless of gender, age, or skill level—helping readers feel confident in their own skin.
Among #AskJakeG’s priorities were relevance and inclusivity. Many of his topics came from reader questions sent via email, Twitter, or Instagram—ranging from mastering makeup techniques and navigating new beauty products to embracing individuality through cosmetics. He ensured that every piece reinforced the idea that beauty is personal, fluid, and for everyone.
“Beauty reporting goes beyond lipstick shades and skincare routines—it’s about documenting how beauty evolves with society. It sheds light on cultural narratives, gender expression, and personal identity,” Jake says. “It inspires people to see themselves as art and encourages confidence and creativity. On a personal level, it allowed me to share my own beauty tips and tricks, making beauty feel approachable and exciting. It also educates—offering insights that make self-care less intimidating and more rewarding. At its core, it’s about celebrating individuality and diversity, enriching not just how we look but how we feel about ourselves.”
It’s a way of documenting and amplifying the incredible artistry we see
Before leading Garage, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.’s lifestyle magazine for men, Rey Ilagan was first the author behind Mannerisms. His column focused on men’s style, capturing both global trends and the evolution of Philippine menswear. It was often paired with a fashion editorial that he styled and produced, making it a true platform that elevated men’s style—something that was rarely covered in the past.
Trends were a natural starting point for Mannerisms, but its stories also evolved through conversations with designers, creatives, and artists from the industry, which often sparked new ideas. It was his way of showcasing what was possible in terms of aesthetics for men. Now, Rey continues to be part of The Manila Bulletin team as its creative head.
“Fashion journalism plays a vital role in a creative industry like ours, where talent overflows,” Rey said. “It’s a way of documenting and amplifying the incredible artistry we see. As art mirrors life, fashion journalism becomes a platform to celebrate and showcase this creative talent. Hopefully, it inspires not only those within the industry but also anyone who engages with it.”
Fashion journalism does more than inform—it empowers
Jane Kingsu Cheng’s Style Kit column was born from her lifelong passion for fashion, a love she inherited from her mother. Over the years, it expanded to include beauty and lifestyle topics, as she shared knowledge gained as a stylist and editor.
Her column’s purpose was to inspire The Manila Bulletin readers to embrace their personal style and enhance their lives. Eventually, she became part of the company’s editorial team, serving as digital editor for parenting and beauty sections, as well as editor of Wedding Essentials magazine, until 2023. Jane has been writing for the publication for over 20 years and continues with her column The Curious Palette.
“Fashion journalism does more than just inform—it empowers,” Jane said. “It provides readers with the tools and inspiration to express themselves and feel confident. After all, when we feel good in our own skin, we’re better equipped to face whatever life has to offer.”
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