Ilocos Overnight: La Tabalacera Soft Opening

Quick and frolicsome, my overnight stay in Ilocos was exactly what I needed. Left the busy Metro and flew in to Ilocos (le nord) amidst finals week for a few hours of work and play. Definitely an escape!

After some hot latte and a bun or two of pandesal, off I went to report to Gov. Marcos. Empty as I expected it not to be, La Casa only had walls and boxes of stocks we'll be showing off the next day at the soft opening. With enough hands and a creative team with me, mannequins were fiercely dressed up, clothes were hung per brand, and the entire store set-up came off sweetly just before the the sunset! Dinner, drinks, and a little night city tour to reward the team right after. 

this is how it looked like at 8am! Quite a disaster, yes?

little progress, hour after hour.....

after hour...

 Of course, a splash of leopard print. Styling by yours truly

  

you can spell STRESS in my face. ha!

     

Look who came by La Tabalacera to go kidnap me! Cuento fest plus a fatty lunch date with my love Jo :) 

Visitors from Manila to help me out! Raf for Karimadon (designer), Juliet for F&H (franchise officer), and Sandro for F&H / Jellybean (stylist). You can call us TEAM ALL-AROUND hahaha

Just right after dinner, Gov wanted the three to see the famous Paoay church. Kate and I to the rescue.

For the cold northern weather, a glass of beer was perfect to reward ourselves. First time at Gianni's!

Just a few hours before the soft opening, I had a quick shoot for Eblouissant with the locals. #Team CZ hahaha  

Dropped by at Bangui's booth in the regional Tinupig (a famous Ilocano delicacy) cook-off by the Bell Tower. 

with my wonderful parents

 

the team with Governor Imee

two hours after, almost half of the week's stocks got literally swiped out! Hence, time to pull-out in Manila again.

next time they go back, I'm showing them my town. Bangui hits!!!

the people behind La Tabalacera

boss Imee Marcos satisfied. hence, rest time!

Definitely a quick detour I'd want a repeat of. I love the people I worked with.
 Packing my clothes as I type, flying back to Ilocos again tomorrow - this time for the grand opening.