TO coincide with the “Buwan ng Wika” celebrations, an exhibit called “Obras Filipinas” will showcase the Filipino designers’ artistry in creating national costumes. It will be held from August 22 to 28 at The Activity Center, Market! Market! at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. The culminating event is “The Philippines Costumes Show” on August 28 at 4 pm.
“We will present different costumes from different regions around the country which take inspiration from our history, culture, ethnic origins and religious practices,” says Ignacio Caluyo of Philtrade Exhibits, the organizer of the special project.
“Obras Filipinas’ style and content are parallel to Flores de Mayo and Independence Day celebrations, wherein we present Filipino traditional dresses but highlighting costumes specifically created for pageantry.”
The participating designers are Basil Malicsi, Bibay Bautista, Carl Arcusa, Cathy Mora Capistrano, Dee Jay Abustan, Edwin Uy, Erjohn dela Serna, Ehrran Montoya, Er Stephen Alvarado, Gil Granado, Ira Baylon, Jandy Roman, Jehrick dela Roca, Jeric Sayno, Jerome Campano, Jillian de Guzman,Johnri Jot Guardiano, Joseph Palma;
JP Chua, Julien Gentica, Khandie Segovia, Kennette Jabla, Mac Taug, Marbin Garcia, Maricris dela Peña, Mikee Andre, Nestor Borromeo, Nomes Cerbito, Randy de Leon Satin, Raymond Granados, Ricmar Agas, RS Roman Sebastian, Russ Cuevas, Sai Macapagal, Younhed Bada and Zyrill Jane Jacinto.
One of the most meaningful and colorful costumes to be displayed is by young designer Er Stephen Alvarado, who hails from Baybay, Leyte. He created “Turismo de Albay” for Jash Dimaculangan, who represented Albay Province at Binibining Pilipinas 2022. The Ibong Adarna ensemble pays tribute to the Mayon Volcano, as well as the LGBT community.
“As colorful as the rainbow is the best definition of the people of Albay who come in different forms, shapes, colors, age and sexuality. That’s why their famous slogan is very popular in the entire country: ‘Indulge yourself in warm Albay,’” the designer explains.
The Best in National Costume award at Miss Universe Philippines 2022 went to Julia Saubier, the French-Bicolana overachiever. Inspired by Julia herself and the moon goddess Haliya, “Hulya” was created by Erjohn de la Serna, a rising designer from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
“[Julia’s] silver and blue ensemble portrays the courageous warrior within her. To complete the corset, trousers and wide wrap skirt, Ifugao weave, T’nalak weave, Pinilian weave, and Mountain Province weave were sewn to construct the intricate design. The patterns sparkled with blue and silver stones along with clear and black beads to accentuate the costume. The concept of her salakot came from the Mayon Volcano, a metaphorical representation of her explosive potential and strength in overcoming the pressures of life,” de la Serna says.
At Miss World Philippines 2022, Marbin Garcia of Bulakan, Bulacan, created the winning national costume for their representative and the first Singkaban Festival Queen, Lady Justerinnie Santos.
Bulakan being known for its Grand Sagalahan, Santacruzan, and Flores de Mayo festivities, Garcia (who is also a municipal councilor) designed “Elena,” which depicts the royalty and grandeur of the Queen who searched for the Cross of Christ, as well as the artistry and creativity of the province’s Singkaban, or decorated bamboo tradition.
For a dose of the avant-garde, upcoming designer Carl Arcusa of Cavite will present his striking “Modern Filipiniana” piece: “This is how I translate how a modern terno would look like. A modern terno is something strong, playful, unapologetic but still has the important features of it such as pure elegance and empowering the Filipina wearing it.”
Leading the pack of designers at Obras Filipinas is the most decorated of them all, Edwin Uy. At Binibining Pilipinas alone, he made the winning costume of Nicole Schmitz in 2012, Top 5 Best National Costume worn by Nancy Leonard in 2015, Best National Costume worn by Chanel Thomas in 2017, Top 10 Best National Costume worn by Sandra Lemonon in 2018, and Top 10 Best National Costume worn by Samantha Lo in 2019.
Uy also created the winning costumes for Rein Villareal at Mister International 2015 and for CJ Hirro at Miss Global 2016.
But of all the countless national costumes he has created for international pageantry, he will display the astounding gold design inspired by a Maranao princess worn by Parul Shah. It won her the Best in National Costume award at Miss Grand International 2015, where she finished third runner-up.
“It is an honor and an achievement just to be able to make it to the Top 10 best national costume because so many Pinoy designers are very talented,” says Uy, who is based in Mandaluyong City.