Alberto Louis Tan Barros: Living for something worthwhile
Alberto Barros
"I stopped schooling for one year because I became very ill. So, I wasn't doing much activity. One time, I got my art box in my room and gathered all my materials and decided to create a scrapbook. I told myself that if I die, all my memories will be there"
The series on Robinsons Design Lab finalists continues with Alberto Louis Tan Barros, 20, and son of Concesa Cleofe Barros and Rolyn Barros. "Owie," as he is fondly called, has two siblings, Krizia Zara and Bea Lynor Barros and he is a fourth year student of Central Philippine University, taking up Nursing.
We discover that Owie is a very creative person who never wastes his time and talent. The Robinsons Design Lab is not the only challenge that has been posed to Owie at such a young age. Together, let's uncover more about Owie through this interview.
Glamour For Less
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): How would you describe your experience in the Robinsons Design Lab?
Owie: It's very challenging and I learned a lot. Although I already love to make designs, I don' t have a background in dressmaking. But through competition judges Bo Parcon and Eric de los Santos, who are fashion designers, I have learned about cuts and other styles. As for the other finalists, we have a friendly competition. We don't hide our concepts from each other. We even borrow each other's accessories and shoes. Then, my high school and college friends and my aunt had been very supportive. They help buy the materials and they kept pushing me to go on.
KMV: After Robinsons Design Lab, what's next?
Owie: I will continue making clothes. After winning Best Designer of the Month during the first challenge, many approached me to design for them. Just recently, the fiesta queen in Roxas City has asked me to do her gown. I accepted because this would be a source of extra income for me. I'm already earning an income through designing. Now, I have one dressmaker, cutter and beader.
KMV: So, why are you taking up Nursing?
Owie: This is my stepping stone to going abroad so I could save more money in order to establish my own shop. I want to pursue my passion in designing.
Best Dressed for Male Category
KMV: What's the Alberto Louis Barros trademark?
Owie: Clothes that fit one's figure. I want a design that exposes the body's shape; one that is sexy yet respectable. I love playing at the back and I'm akin to unbalanced cuts. My designs show my bubbly and fun-loving personality. I love earth colors and organic stuff like shells because I'm a nature lover. I prefer to use textiles that are flowing or those with glitters. I prefer long gowns and wedding gowns.
KMV: Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
Owie: From the movies and magazines. Also, they will just pop up in my mind.
KMV: Who's your favorite designer?
Owie: Elie Saab. My design in the Society Chic challenge wherein we were asked to design for Ms Pangging Rosales, was influenced by Saab.
KMV: If you're not busy earning an income through fashion designing, what else do you do?
Owie: I buy and sell bags and accessories. Someday, I will create my own. I also handle weddings and debuts. I make scrap books and sell them at P350.
KMV: How did you get into scrap book making?
Owie: I stopped schooling for one year because I became very ill. So, I wasn't doing much activity. One time, I got my art box in my room and gathered all my materials and decided to create a scrapbook. I told myself that if I die, all my memories will be there. Also, I was experiencing pain, so in order to forget what I was feeling, I busied myself with the scrapbook. It's called distraction therapy and we learned it from my course. My friends saw what I made, so they asked me to make some for them, too. Then, it became my business.
All-Black Cocktail Dress
KMV: In what other way has your illness paved the way for your designing?
Owie: There's a purpose on why I was delayed in school. I was able to join the Robinsons Design Lab because of that.
KMV: What other creative activities do you do?
Owie: Well, I play the keyboards for our choir at the Christ Centered Fellowship Church. I've been playing since high school.
KMV: Who is Alberto Louis Barros?
Owie: Well, I'm fun-loving. I love going around and dining with my family and friends. I'm very family-oriented. In fact, my cousins are my number one fans. One of them, Kaira, who's in Kindergarten was cheering for me during the competition. Also, I think before I decide. I am happy with what I do as long as I don't hurt others. And I give my best at what I'm doing. I believe that the purpose of life is not just to live but to have something worthwhile to live for.