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Behind the Scenes: Pinky Webb

Posted on Jun 13, 2009 by L.A. Consing Lopez / 4814 Views

June is our annual State of the Nation issue filled with some of the most influential and pivotal individuals in the realm of Philippine politics. With all the heavyweights and agents of change in the issue we felt that ANC anchorwoman Pinky Webb would be a relevant (and beautiful) subject for our cover. Rogue loves confident, passionate, and driven women. It’s all about attitude and a delicate yet strong resilience mixed with charm and panache—things we saw in this month’s cover girl.

Pinky possesses a classic kind of beauty—very Old Hollywood as Ricky Carandang puts it in Ms. Webb’s article. But by no means is her look a damsel in distress. Hers is a fierce and bold femininity in the spirit of Lauren Bacall and Ava Gardner.

The concept of the shoot was Film Noir. We wanted to capture the mysterious, strong, and moody vibe of this genre.

For our location, we had the privilege to shoot that the historic Mac Arthur suite at the Manila Hotel.

I’ve always been so intrigued with this fantastic landmark. Much like the superb Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Manila Hotel is nostalgic and Old World—its colonial architecture and interiors instantly bring one back to a grander and more lavish period in Manila’s history.

Ines Lobregat and Rick Diokno get Pinky all dolled up and in “character” for the first layout of the shoot.

Our Editorial Assistant, Nikki, at the “Wardrobe Department.”

The gorgeous black cut-out dress by Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy (from Adora Department Store) that Pinky wore in the balcony spread.

Mac Arthur’s office in the hotel “suite.”

The suite seemed more like a mini-apartment. This stately room was, in fact, the residence of the American general and his family during WWII. There is a formal dinning area, a masters bedroom, a kitchen, living area, and an extra bedroom.

The handsome Prizmic&Brill leather campaign chair we used for Pinky’s office set-up.

The view from Mac Arthur’s office window.

Ladies (and men) in waiting.

What’s Film Noir without shadows from window shutters?


After we finished shooting at the suite we proceeded to the Tap Room. It looks like time has forgotten about this iconic pub (this was Ernest Hemingway’s drinking hole). It maintains a lot of its original charm, from the wood paneled walls to the brass lamps and fixtures on the bar.

Mark Nicdao in action.

A little fast hand movement and some last minute adjustments to Pinky’s Paul Smith Coat and we’re ready to shoot.

For the cover, we really wanted to capture the artificial, drawing-like aesthetic of a vintage detective novel or movie poster.


We were also inspired by the highly stylized Jude Law & Gwyneth Paltrow nod to Film Noir, Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow.


Make sure to grab a copy of our June issue for our cover story “Good Night and Good Luck” starring Pinky Webb.