Last February 20 at the Baked Studios, Makati City, GUESS Philippines celebrated a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s season experience with LOVE, GUESS, an evening dedicated to embracing self-love, confidence, and empowerment.
Upon entry, we were welcomed into a tunnel showcasing GUESS pieces, immersed in red lighting that highlighted the bold red-and-black motif of the season. Once inside, the evening unfolded as a uniquely elegant experience. Embracing the spirit of self-love and empowerment, the event invited us to engage with interactive and reflective booths, each experience marked on a fun BINGO card that added an extra layer of excitement to every stop.
Courtesy of Guess Philippines
For those intrigued by magic, specifically card tricks, a cardician served as the first form of entertainment for the night. He dazzled me with seemingly precise card shuffles, even allowing me to observe the deck to ensure it wasn’t rigged. Card tricks may feel predictable if you’ve seen too many reels or TikTok videos online, but upon closer observation, it was all about being “tricked” by the cardician into focusing where they wanted you to — creating misdirection and making the trick possible.
Courtesy of Guess Philippines
Meanwhile, a mentalist approached me with a book in hand. As he flipped through the pages and asked you to say “stop,” he accurately guessed the first word on the page where you landed. It became even more entertaining when, with just a single letter as a clue, he was able to put the pieces together. Trying to figure out how these men of magic pulled off their tricks, there was plenty to think about as the night was still young.
Courtesy of Guess Philippines
There was a tarot reading booth where you could ask anything about love. Having been intrigued by tarot reading during the pandemic, seeing a reading in the opening scene of the French New Wave film Cléo from 5 to 7 from French director Agnès Varda, having your cards read added an extra layer of intrigue and reflection. Of course, as a disclaimer, it wasn’t entirely accurate — take from it what resonated with you and leave out the rest. On the other hand, palm reading provided some insight into the past, present, and future of one’s career. It was fascinating how even the lines on your palm or the energy you projected could reveal something meaningful.
These booths were made intimate when the experience was between you and the reader, even when the music was a bit loud near the stage. When the show formally began, we were treated to an enchanting burlesque performance from Burlesque PH. From the smooth direction of the spotlight that highlighted each performer, you couldn’t help but be captivated by how in sync and professional these ladies were. As a first-time viewer of a burlesque show, I was impressed with how the performers balanced moving gracefully while being expressive and charismatic with their faces. Truly, this mini-show was the true highlight of the night.
Courtesy of Guess Philippines
On top of that, the live entertainment was complemented by a jazz band. While the performers danced at the front of the stage, a talented saxophonist roamed around, drawing you in with the music. Moreover, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the exquisite food and handcrafted cocktails, which made the event a full night of entertainment, food, experience, and self-love.
Tying it all together, the event felt more like an immersive, intimate experience rather than just a night that celebrated the GUESS Mainline Collection, which showcased the brand’s latest apparel, bags, and accessories. A perfect blend of confidence and sensuality, the collection captured the bold, fearless spirit of self-love and empowerment that defined the event.