MISAMIS Oriental designer Jie-Jie Aisa’s creation once again took center-stage last week, at the Mall of Asia Arena for the Miss Philippines Earth 2018 pageant.
His design for Miss Balingasag, Berjanyeth Chee, led the latter to win Best in Cultural Costume; and later on, she also won runner-up as Ms. Philippines Earth-Water 2018. The design bested 40 other hopefuls at the prestigious national pageant with the theme: Diyosa ng Inang Kagandahan.
Noteworthy, this is not the first time Jie-Jie was recognized for his avant-garde designs in a national competition. His very first award came in Queen Philippines 2015 pageant, where Carla Madrigal cinched the Best in Regional Costume. The second award came last year, also for Miss Philippines Earth 2017 where his design for Miss El Salvador, Elizabeth Amahan, bagged the same Best in Cultural Costume award.
Jie-Jie said: “I really want to thank the judges who appreciated my creation. Miss Balingasag’s cultural attire a Kuyamis-muslim inspired attire made mainly of some essential coconut parts, exquisitely representing the evolution of culture in Misamis Oriental. Kuyamis is a variety of sweet coconut, which became famous during the colonization of the province by the Spaniards. The colonization dislocated a significant number of Muslims then occupying the province and, in effect, brought changes in the ways of living by Misamisnons, including the introduction of a culture inspired by the abundance of coconut trees in Misamis Oriental.”
Jie-Jie feels proud to have a hand in helping these girls reach for their dreams. He believes making the cut to be a part of the prestigious national competition, especially the one geared for saving Mother Earth, already makes all of the candidates into winners. He noted that this success is not easy, and it only made possible through team effort. He credits the province of MisOr and Governor Yevgeny Emano, along with provincial tourism director, lawyer Jeffrey Saclot, for their confidence and trust in him.
He added: “Please allow me to also mention that this is a collaborative effort of the Team Amega Image Stylists. They have been my constant support, not just as colleagues and friends, but more as a family. We are a group of makeup artists and stylists who handle, train, and mentor aspiring pageant candidates. We also handle corporate events and cultural/non-cultural activities. We’ve also produced and directed pageants; organized and coordinated weddings, debuts, and other special events.”
Jie-Jie Aisa was also featured consecutively at two high fashion shows namely: CDO Elite Models last May 28 in Ayala Centrio and Circle Six with Wilma Dassent last May 27 at the LimKetKai Rotunda. Jie-Jie noted that artistry has been his passion since he was young starting out as makeup artist 25 years ago.
He said: “It all began by representing my high school in various citywide arts and creative contests. My first clients were my classmates and teachers. These elements really opened doors for me and have contributed in harnessing my artistic skills and taking my confidence to greater heights.”
This designer is honest enough to admit that he had no formal schooling in a beauty or design institution. He enhanced his talent through various seminars, self-study with online tutorials, and untiring practice. His designing career is actually an off shoot of his engagement in the world of makeup.
He explained: “I helped girls in pageants as a mentor, and at the same time, as their hair and makeup artist. From the smallest baranggays and municipalities here in CDO, even to the neighboring provinces, I would go there to help. Eventually, my candidates asked me to make them costumes and that’s how I ended up designing.”
Jie-jie feels fortunate that little by little, many noticed his potential and believed in him. He really appreciates that his clients trust his skills to do their dresses. “At first, it was fantasy attires, then for party and casual wear, then to pageant gowns, and eventually I was asked to design bridal gowns including for the entourage. A few years ago, I have also started designing for men’s wear. So now it’s a complete package.”
For inquiries on makeup, design, or any styling needs, please call 0917-719-5578 and check FB: Jie-Jie Aisa. For more pictures of our pageant beauties, or to touch base with this writer, please check: http://orochronicles.com/teamamega-dominate-ms-philippines-earth/