Happy Holidays from F R O G A Z I N E !!! xx

5 Songs

My oh my today is December 10, 2011 which means there are only exactly 21 days to go before this year finishes! Frogazine will probably have one more feature before this year ends but before that comes this post.

F R O G A Z I N E's top 5 songs that saw us through 2011! They are not exactly new songs released this year but these are songs that tracked us through the good and sad times this year!

It's been a CRAZY and sometimes awesome year for the two of us. At times we were together (and came up with the idea of making this blog), and at times we were apart chasing pavements and making our dreams happen.

Happy Listening!!! (in no particular order)

Tittle: Future Starts Slow
Artist: The Kills


Merille saw The Kills live for the first time in July this year to join Luke as this was one of his favorite bands. Before the concert Merille was pretty neutral and had little idea of who The Kills were. After the concert, she found herself loving their tracks and the things that she learnt about the band, e.g. this song!

Tittle: Somebody That I Used to Know
Artist: Gotye feat. Kimbra

One day while Carmelo and Merille were on a train, Carmelo got Merille to check out this song because it was "apparently" so relevant to situations that both of them have been through (breaking up). Merille agreed and have both loved the song since. This song was released in the last quarter of this year and has since been aired in the radio a lot (read: too much). Not only are the lyrics are so true but Gotye's collab with Kimbra (Kiwi Artist) who has recently become very popular here in Australia too makes this track so special!

Tittle: Crave You
Artist: Flight Facilities feat. Giselle

Both Merille and Carmelo became familiar with this song in the early parts of this year which was when it earned decent air time on the radio here in Australia as well. Notably, it was frequently played in fashion shows too! The real reason why it has made it into the list though is because Carmelo's love predicament is apparently similar to Giselle's! Haha

Tittle: Sweet Disposition
Artist: Temper Trap

If I may recall correctly, this song got under Frogazine's radar around mid or late 2009 (or early 2010). The track is in the 100 Days of Summer (movie) soundtrack and Temper Trap is one of Frogazine's favorite bands. It is a very special song for the two of us because it saw us through some of the best days of our lives (together) with the best of friends we met as well. This song up to now goes on to see us through even in the bad times to remind us of life's sunny days!

Tittle: Jerome
Artist: Lykke Li

We personally don't know anyone named Jerome but this song is so nice! Lykke Li played this live once for the Berlin Fashion Week (I think) and don't you agree it makes for a nice runway track!? The lyrics are very brave as well. The track is in Lykke Li's "Wounded Rhymes" album which was released mid this year. 

Feature: S I M O N

It has been a while but here we are again!

We (frogs) are are passionate about all things beautiful, interesting, unique and all things alike! Actually, you would by now be aware of this given the posts we have made so far. One earthly form that manifests such characteristics are people. Human-kind is so beautiful when it's true potential is at work. This is why we love sharing our friends: people we derive inspiration from and we hope you might too!

So, meet the newest addition to our entourage of features: Simon Lohmeyer.

Merille first met Simon in a fashion show and then Carmelo got introduced a few days later. He is definitely one awesome person that we think you should meet during this lifetime!

What is/are your occupations? 


"Hmm, I think I am a free bird. I have different jobs like working as a gardener, street performer, model and barman. But my real passion is Art. I find my inspiration in everything and everybody. My problem is that I get bored with things pretty quickly. But taking Pictures, making Sculptures, Jewellery, Music Videos and Short Movies keeps me alive!"

How did this all start? 


"I started modelling at the age of 17. After finishing High School I started traveling and with the money I earned, and also from that I financed my own art projects plus met a few amazing people to help them with theirs along the way."

Tell us more about your dirtydirty.me blog?


"I have a blog, I refer to as the "Dirty.Me" blog where I share my "dirty and free" side with everybody. I want people to realize that life is something so fragile and short but still with so much time to make it interesting and fun. Society is showing us how to walk on an already made up path until we die. Why not discover the world on our own: Naked and happy?!"

What is a song that would best describe you and how you usually feel (like, right now)?


"Dreamer from Supertramp... It is how I feel every day."

What is a fun fact about you?  

"Sometimes I can predict the future."

Describe yourself just in 3 words. 

"Can I have 4 words instead? Giving, Living, Loving and Laughing"

LINKS

His Photography

His Model Portfolio

THE Dirty Blog:

Carmelo & Merille x F R O G A Z I N E ! xoxo

Frogazine's Take on Ms. U

As if we would seriously let the Ms. U "fever" pass by without a post about it! So here are our thoughts (in random order) about the most prestigious pageant in the UNIVERSE.

Firstly, I must say the Philippines have to be one of the most dedicated countries in terms of patronizing this pageant. Without any sort of assurance that Ms. Shamcey Supsup (Ms. Philippines) would go all the way to top 5 (which she did), the Filipino people had projector screens setup in basketball court / gymnasiums (every town there has one) so that the whole population could take a piece of the thrill.

It came by as a surprise for us when Shamcey made all the way to top 5. When the announcement was made, Carmelo could not get his eyes off Twitter.com (even in the middle of a meeting), while Merille was streaming videos for updates. Up until that point the only thing I really liked about her was the way she introduced herself in the stage: "Shamcey SUPSUP, 25, PHILLAPAYNESS" and of course that WALK which we now know as the "Tsunami Walk".

Then... the sad conclusion came. Despite her perfect on the spot answer, she only bagged 3rd runner up. It can't be helped though. Shamcey was amazing but so were the others and those who beat her took the "amazingness" to another level.

Here are some notes and observations on some of the girls that caught our attention:


Ms. Malaysia- we thought she would win! Specially after watching the quick Q&A video they showed on Youtube.com. The way she answered it was so frogazine! (lol). THEN she didn't even make it to top 5.

Ms. China- she is so tall but still so beautiful. Usually we find it a bit too much when a pretty girl is uber tall but not Ms. China!

Ms. Australia- typical Shiela! How can you bag out the preceeding Ms. Universe-Australia when you should be looking up to her. Yuck!

On the Top 5 selection- LOVE IT! Have to agree with what the crowd thinks. Best, top 5 in a long time. The variation is definitely universal.

Here are our thoughts anyway about Shamcey's loss:

Everything was spotless up until the Q&A portion. (please Google the script if needs be). One's instant impression of it would be “wow!”. Given the amount of pressure one would go through amid such a contest, it would be difficult to frame a bold, concise and impromptu answer like she did. Now, when you give it a second thought and actually critically analyze the answers like the judges, this was actually a bad answer. The logic is, the peagent is looking for a Ms. UNIVERSE. Someone open, unbiased and liberated from things that may result to them having prejudice over things that are outside there beliefs and principles. Shamcey, through her answer showed the opposite. The Philippines sent someone smart, confident and firm. This strength turned out to be a weakness.

xoxo Merille & Carmelo @ F R O G A Z I N E 

THIS is a Love Song

The beats and the fact that it is Gotye is inviting in itself BUT if you listen to the lyrics, they are also very true. 

One day, Froggy and I will have a duet like this. 
Oh we're capable alright.... SERIOUSLY! 

Watch this space!

Body Works Exhibition by ABSORB

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  Black Dresses by UTS Students

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Having been a spectator unaware of the background/context behind the exhibit, I was quite surprised that it was of university fashion students. An all out effort worth my hype, I say! It's also full of froggy's photos! :)
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Chiara Bianchino, Merille Raagas (frog1), Maja Baska and Chereine Waddell

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Works were remarkably unique, especially the photography. The artful choreography of the images effectively showcased the individuality of the pieces on display.
  
  
  Carmelo & Merille @ F r o g a z i n e
  
  
  
  
  
  Photos from Merille Raagas and Maja Baska
  
  
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Feature: Karl Leuterio

Meet our (overdue) feature! Sir Karl Leuterio. I (Carmelo) first stumbled on Karl through Lookbook.nu a long time ago now. We have since kept in contact. From Lookbook icon to promising designer for Paradigm Shift, Karl is definitely worth our 'HYPE' here in Frogazine! As per tradition, we threw out not so random questions to Karl to help us get to know him more... Inside info, straight from the source!

1. We’re aware that you’re one of Manila’s sought-after style guru but what separates you from the rest?



Maybe the fact that I work at a hospital. My day job as a nurse and having an alter ego that is fashion. haha.

2. What's your daily style staple?
 
Loose shirt, drapey jacket, skinny jeans and .. wedges!


3. Occupation(s) 

I'm a registered nurse and I practice at a nearby hospital. I design for our clothing label - PARADIGMSHIFT. I do make up and styling  sometimes and I blog blog blog! That's an occupation too!

4. We’re massive movie buffs at Frogazine and we’d like to know what film you would classify as your favourite or something that you could strongly relate to? Why?


Horror films. I'm a cowardly chicken but I'm as curious as a cat so I still watch them gory scary films. I love referencing to sci fi , neo futuristic and horror films. I'm always caught between playing the antagonist and protagonist. i wana play both. there's something peculiar with horror films. I love surprises.

5. Fun fact about you


 I can fool guys with my lady-like voice. haha


6. Quick game – For each of the words below, tell us the first thing/person/place/experience that you think of;

Love
Fear
Fun


Love - fashion, art and shoes
Fear - CRABS
Fun - money! haha

Who is Karl? 

FIND OUT HERE

Wanna shop his style? Click the image below!

We love Karl Leuterio and he's one of Frogazine's main inspirations! 


Carmelo & Merille @ F r o g a z i n e

Too young to model?

Her name is Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau and she's 10.

As part of the ever so rising issues within the fashion industry, one of the most talked about would be young models. At first it was a big deal when 14 year old models started ruling the catwalk but now a 10 year old is making noise in fashion campaigns and editorials. It's true that she does have the ferocious stare and that high fashion stance but the age becomes questionable.

Is this an act of exploitation in the fashion industry or is it merely an adoration towards a young individual that needs to be shared publicly? Either way, this little girl continues to have increasing fans all over the globe through blogs. Try googling her name and the results are endless.

The frogs (us) think that she's absolutely stunning and she is a force to be reckoned with despite the controversy that surrounds her fame.

There are recent talks that she could be the next big thing! It is highly probable and we have yet to see her at her peak.

Merille @ F r o g a z i n e

Snaps & Candids

Note: This is not a fashion post, we basically just played paparazzi for the day and took photos of people (including ourselves) doing their own thing at Newtown. We didn't take many photos because it's difficult doing it discretely!



At first we thought this guy was sobbing. A recent break up perhaps? As we got closer we realised he's just quietly reading a book.





Stolen by Carmelo! Or was it really stolen??? Hmmm...



Les Trois Mousquetaires



Carmelo: "Do you think people would think that I live here?"

Me: " I don't think so hey...Haha!"



Graveyards can be really interesting when you read what's carved on the tombstones. It makes you imagine who the person is 6 feet under the ground.

Merille @ F r o g a z i n e

M O R E !



This is baby Luke ... he had long hair before you see! haha! She (yes, it's a she!) was doing ollies in front of us!



In Newtown... this is how they draw mermaids! Sooo grungy, woooohhhh - BLAHHHH!



I told him to "stop and pose, first" and he did!!! So cuteeee!

Yours truly,

CARMELO x F R O G A Z I N E