MANILA, Philippines -- Signature models: Fashion designers usually draw their inspiration from their favorite models. Some of them become what is commonly called in fashion circles as their signature models.

While Ilonggo designer and hablon weaver Nono Palmos considers Aljur Abrenica his signature model, he says designers these days derive inspiration from life itself.

“Today,” he says, “fashion trends are inspired largely by life. Gone are the days when fashion designers can dictate a trend or style based solely on their creative imaginations. Fashion has gone into a state wherein designs are dictated by the people themselves.”

“It’s all about what looks good on them, their lifestyles, their careers, their aspirations, their options. For designers, this is actually a good thing because we have learned to really study our craft to be able to satisfy the very divergent needs of our clients.”

Palmos is impressed by the way Aljur transforms himself with each role. ‘I also admire his honesty and sincerity – always recognizing his limitations,” he adds.

The designer dressed up the “Machete” star when the latter accepted a model youth award in Seoul, Korea recently. Palmos’ other celebrity clients include Nora Aunor (daring and experimental when it comes to fashion), Vilma Santos (a knowledge of herself and attention to detail), Dina Bonnevie (feminine touch).

Hablon weaving: Proud of his Ilongo roots, Nono Palmos maintains a hablon-weaving business in Miag-ao, Iloilo. He incorporates native material like hablon in many of his creations whether or not they’re for use in formal occasions.

Nono says, “Celebrities have crossed over into the realm of lifestyle so I find many young actors and actresses to be creative in their outfits. They are not afraid to try new things and explore their limitations. Their willingness to find new ways to express themselves through clothes makes fashion truly exciting these days.”

TV News: Jed Madela is the next world-class Filipino talent tapped by ABS-CBN to sing the theme of The Filipino Channel’s 2011 station ID. The “Tayo ang TFC” station ID broke on air last Sunday on “ASAP.”

Jed follows an illustrious line-up of previous TFC singers like Martin Nievera, Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano and Charice Pempengco. The high-pitched singer is himself an internationally decorated performer. Jed bested over 3,500 acts from 51 countries at the World Championship of the Performing Arts in Burbank, California in 2005. He became that year’s Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World.

Ronnie Liang has found himself a new manager in Noel Ferrer, who is fasttracking release of the singer’s new album, his third, under Universal Music. Ronnie is thrilled that his hit song, Ngiti, has been given a lift by Christian Bautista, who has tucked it in his album released in Indonesia. Christian’s version of “Ngiti is in Bahasa Indonesia, which makes it more charming as far as Ronnie is concerned. By the way, Universal can also consider releasing an Asia-wide release of Ronnie Liang’s album. By just the way he looks, the singer can be a hit among Malaysians, Indonesians and especially Singaporeans.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)