FASHION CONQUESTS AND WATERLOOS AT THE GAWAD URIAN
by Alex Y. Vergara, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 17, 2000

IS THERE an ounce of hope left for Philippine movies? Perhaps, but we wish we could say the same thing about our local stars' dimming fashion sense. Last week's Urian awards by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino was another occasion where many of Tinsletown's loveliest looked bad while trying their best to look good.

Only megastar Sharon Cuneta and beauty queen Miriam Quiambao saved the night with well-fitted gowns that hugged their figures. It was great to see a trimmer Sharon in not one but three corset gowns in beige, black and tangerine that revealed her chest and once-missing collar bones.

''Since I've lost weight, I might as well make the most out it before I get pregnant,'' she said in Filipino. She and husband Francis Pangilinan have wanted a baby since their honeymoon in the US several years ago.

But it was vintage Sharon, all right, playing safe once more by choosing gowns with identical cuts. Save for the color and pattern of beadwork, nothing much changed every time she slipped into a new number. And despite her dramatic weight loss, she still couldn't let go of the ubiquitous shawl to hide her arms.

Two years ago, the actress, then several pounds heavier, wore similar long-sleeved black numbers at every awards night. She hit a grand slam that year for her role in ''Madrasta.''

A poised Miriam glided onstage in a semi-beaded black column with matching fishtail. The former Binibining Pilipinas looked regal without trying to--the same form that almost won for her the Miss Universe crown last year.

It was slim pickings from hereon. Ana Capri, a double-nominee for best actress and best supporting actress, felt like a winner in a Roman-inspired gown with checkerboard beadwork on the bodice. To complete the look, she wore a tiara and crocheted shawl. She later lost in all categories-including in our fashion list.

After making a mark in lavender ball gown by Inno Sotto last December, Angelu de Leon backslid in a metallic skirt printed with Buddha images, and topped with a sheer black caftan. Perhaps, not even Bangkok's night market would carry such an outfit.

Slain Italian designer Gianni Versace must be rolling in his grave. Ynes Veneracion resurrected the sideless gown inspired perhaps by a similar outfit worn by British model-actress Elizabeth Hurley. Rather than use giant safety pins, Ynes' designer held up the gown with straps.

And, oh, yes, the bold star opted to put on her underwear that night.

Fellow boldie Lara Morena looked far from ravishing in a poorly fitted one-shoulder gown trimmed with feathers. Best supporting actress winner Glydel Mercado also failed to make her mark in a mint green gown with a décolleté neckline, and with fabric to show off her tanga.

Princess Punzalan's fashion statement was as muddled as ever. This time, TV's favorite villainess wore a sari dress with matching shawl clasped by a leaf-shaped brooch.

What ever happened to Pops Fernandez? The actress-singer continues to fall from fashion grace with a safari-inspired outfit accented with black tasseled gloves and choker that hark back to the 1920s-Tarzan's Jane meets Clyde's Bonnie?

After more than 30 years in the business, Pilar Pilapil's age and girth are starting to show-and we understand. Once one of filmdom's loveliest faces, Pilar looked dowdy in a rose-printed black gown.

But for a supposedly much younger actress like Chat Silayan to look old beyond her years-that's unforgivable. The comebacking former beauty queen looked like a shell of her old self in a poor version of a corset gown.

Ladies, you have three more events to redeem yourselves.