Mark this, the Big Apple is in the Rafe bag.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Cheche V. Moral

''YOU have to get out of the box to realize what your box looks like and to know what to do with your box."

That's how fast-rising New York accessories designer Rafe Totengco describes his journey to the exciting and challenging world of global fashion. The Ilonggo is in Manila this week for the awards ceremonies of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines. It is the first time an award is being given to fashion, and Totengco is the first recipient.

"It's quite an honor," he says, "considering those who had won the award before me. People are saying it's about time."

At the same time, he has misgivings if he has done that much or is worthy.

"I kind of feel like a homecoming queen," he laughingly adds.

Now far from the 18-year-old avant-garde …