Philipp Tampus (CDN PHOTO/ EDD BUENAVIAJE)
Building an “empire on which the sun never sets,” the way King Philip II of Spain did during his reign,is not in his plans. Philipp Piezas Tampus (spelled with a double “p” like the Philippines, his country of birth) would gently beg off to more than two (complete entourage) weddings in a month. “Adto ra gihapon na kwartaha padung sa doktor,” he says ruefully.
Already, he could have bought cars with all the injections (one shot costs P160,000!) he has received for the stress-psoriasis he acquired in his chosen career.
Not that he doesn’t need the money. It’s just that Philipp knows being able to relax is priceless, a luxury money can’t buy. “Mu uli ra kos among bay, magpa lata-lata, magpa tunob-tunob sa akong mga chikiting nga mga pag-umangkon, ila kong sudlay-sudlayon, drowingan akong lawas. Ah … bliss!”
If at all he can veer off from his busy schedule, he also plays with his two shih-tzu poodles at the garden of his house of couture, feeds his pet piranha in the aquarium, or simply watches his currently mating pet cockatiels and their beautifully colored feathers. “It’s amazing to share in the glory of God’s creation,” he muses.
“God is the ultimate designer of all designers,” continues Tampus, one of the country’s preeminent fashion designers “and we must acknowledge that God is behind every talent we have.”
In today’s fashion-obsessed world of customized gratification, everyone wants to wear a “Philipp”— beauty titlists, budding celebrities, high society women. “My work is my prayer,” he says.
He has survived four vehicular accidents—yes, you heard that right. Most serious was the last one where the car he was driving lost its brakes, leaving him no choice but to drive it down a four-storey high ravine, otherwise he would have caused a car smash up. He is eternally grateful to be alive and his companions unharmed: “Mura mi og gisapnay sa mga sanga sa mga dagkong kahuy ug mga dagkong tubo sa MCWD,” he recounts.
A few days before the start of the novena to the Señor Santo Niño, Play! asked the Prince of Fashion if he’s really that pricey given his cult following since winning first runner-up in Project Runway Philippines in 2008.
Who are your biggest influences in your aesthetics?
Aside from my mom, I consider Madam Rajah, my first employer in Saudi Arabia as a big influence. Dili jud nako makalimtan ni nga statement from her: “Is this the work of an artist?” in her fierce “attitude” face, with matching raising of eyebrows. Mag abot akong sip-on ug luha, most especially na atakihon pa jud ka sa ka-homesick. With regard to my craft, some of my favorite Parisian designers are Christian Lacroix, Valentino, Gianni Versace and Gian Franco Ferre for Christian Dior.
How does it feel to be copied by some named designers in Manila?
Honestly, being copied is really not an issue. Malipay jud ko to see my works, or techniques being interpreted or executed by others. I feel fullfilled and flattered, one way or another. Naka share ko og something to others, di ba? Actually, nowadays, wala na juy original, tanan reproduced, reconstructed, rendered.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Bitaw, dili jud ko wide reader na pagkatawo. I always believe in flash ideas maybe because of the things that I see around me, people around me. Mao nga I always see to it na positive jud akong adlaw pirme.
Do you have a signature or trademark look in your creations?
I always love details in my work. I love random patterns and artworks. Dili ko ganahan og unsay naa sa left mao sad sa right. I love soft and light dresses. I always love to emphasize a woman’s shape.
‘Favorite sketches’ of Philipp Tampus for his Holiday collection 2011 posted on his Facebook account. (FACEBOOK GRAB)
Are you very pricey already given your position in the fashion industry?
Of course, magka dugay mag hanas magka mahal jud. Hahaha! But not very pricey—sakto lang. I always base my price on how much work we put into each piece.
Do you need to be in the mood to come up with a collection?
Being moody is a mark of an artist. Yes, lami jud ang mga collections basta inspired and in a good mood ka. And always in my case that naa lang jud mo kalit og mugna lang sad. I become more productive and creative when alone.
How do you manage to say no to some clients especially that you limit yourself to only two full weddings in a month?
In this industry we must learn when to say no and yes, especially when your name and the quality of the product is at stake. Health is my excuse also. Unsaon man ng daghan kaayo ka og trabaho nya ang kita kay padung rasad sa doktor? But sometimes, we also compromise, especially if it’s our suki, the kind and good clients.
Why do you think Cebu designers excel in their art?
It’s tested and proven that a lot of Cebu talents excel in the field of art, maybe due to our cultural background. We’re also innovative, creative and hardworking as a people.
What was the best advice you received in relation to fashion design?
Love your work. Stay humble. And always, always accept advice and criticisms because we learn from them. Behind every success is sheer hard work. Also, respect older designers. And always follow schedules and deliveries. Fashion designing is not all about glamour and fame and money, but building trust and good relationship with clients. After all it’s a business.
Your FB posts are pretty much edifying on the God experience. Is there a story behind this?
The social network is a very big influence to all so I share my love for Jesus through it. I’m nothing without God. I’m here right now, but time will come when new talents will come. God will always be the same regardless of what your status is. I want to be remembered not only because of my designs and creations, but most of all for being a Christian fashion designer.
If you can come face-to-face with God and He asks you to design an outfit He could wear, what would it look like?
I think I’m not deserving. But siguro, crystallized. And embellished with all the precious stones. But with all His glory and might, God doesn’t need any elaborate design.
If you can design a costume for a contingent in the Sinulog, what would be the look?
Considering how much the Spanish people have influenced us, it will be a fusion of Hispanic and tribal or ethnic look.
Name some celebrities you wish to dress up.
Kris Aquino! Saba man gud ni siya, grabe og market and influence. Anne Curtis has a big market among young people. Dawn Zuleta for the younger and elegant moms. Vice Ganda for
the trendy and edgy market. Among Hollywood celebs, of course, my dream clients are Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway because all eyes are on them. Also Kate Middleton, so sophisticated and elegantly trendy.
Was it a difficult choice for you to to stay in Cebu when you could have gone elsewhere and conquer the world of fashion?
To join “Project Runway Philippines” was a dream come true. It was always in my prayers. You could say that it was the turning point in my decision to stay in Cebu for good.
We heard that you have this skin condition that erupts when you are under stress. How do you relax?
Yeah, I have a sickness called psoriasis. Mahal kaayo ang tambal aning kondisyona. I see to it that I rest well, and adopt a stress-free lifestyle.
What is your advice for aspiring young designers who look up to you?
Lami kaayo ang feeling to be on top and being one of the sikat. But dapat di na sya i-sud sa ulo. Fame is temporary. Maintaining one’s status is not easy. What is in the papers today will be in the garbage one day. You must be Godly. You must love your work. Always acknowledge all the channels that God has given you to be the kind of person that you will become one
day. Be grateful and contented.
What’s the secret to managing one’s time?
Take things one at a time. Work and spend in moderation, kanang makaya ra nimo. Always set a standard.
How much of an animal lover are you?
The rest of the family, especially my mom, really love pets. Bag-o ra jud ko nahimong pet lover. Pets are my stress relievers. If you can be trusted with small things, you can be trusted with big things, too. Meaning, if kaya nimo ma take care imong mga pets kaya sad nimo ma take care imong self and others.
Philipp Tampus and his pet dogs. (CDN PHOTO/ EDD BUENAVIAJE)
If you can update the Filipiniana and have women wear it the way Indian women wear their sari, how would it look?
Yeah, I admire how Indians preserve their sari. Mao jud nay lisud natong mga Pinoy, always influenced by others. But it’s nice and flattering to know that there are still Pinoys who patronize our national outfit, during political events, in school and during weddings. But I hope dili lang diha kutob. If I were to modernize the Filipiniana, I want it to be trendy and easy to wear, using our our own piña fabric… with a twist. Make the piña wearable, like the shirt and jeans that most people wear.
