JEDDAH, 4 January 2004 — A love of fashion makes the economy go round,” so said Liz Tilberis.
And that was precisely what the leaders of Kapit-Bisig OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers), a new group in Jeddah, had in mind when they organized the fashion competition dubbed “A Tribute to Filipino Designers in Jeddah” just recently.
The event, held at the Nayong Pilipino Restaurant, was highlighted with 10 glamorous models wearing flamboyant and colorful dresses, which are among the latest collections of the Filipino designers in Jeddah.
Loida Nava was adjudged champion model, while the entry of designer Gina Rasco of Wodjo Shop won the “Best in Design” award for its trendy cuts, slim silhouettes, handmade beads and fabulous fabric.
Joy Coronel won the “Best in Gown” title for her beautifully embroidered and handmade gown, designed by B.G. Center, one of the well-known custom-made gown and dress shops in the city.
Chosen as 2nd runner-up was Lynette Santos, whose stunning handmade beads and simple and yet elegant black gown, also designed by Wodjo Shop, won her the “Best in Style” award.
Gemma Dikdikas, 3rd runner up, was named “Best Model.” Blessed with the “right height and looks,” she wore top and discreet beaded trousers, one of the latest collections of Dream Center.
Sally Sabado, 4th runner-up, won the “Best in Projection” award for her good make up and hairstyle that matched her beautifully hand-made beaded gown by Retouched Shop.
“The aim of this contest is to highlight the talent and skills of our fashion designers,” said Paraluman Atienza, a skilled dressmaker and an official of Kapit-Bisig OFW.
Through such contest, she said, Kapit-Bisig hopes to encourage other OFWs to bring out their best not only in fashion design but in other worthwhile endeavor.
“While most of the members are women and 80 percent of the group is composed of dressmakers and designers, we share the same vision for other Filipino women: to help other Filipino women through our livelihood programs,” she added.
One of the shop owners in Jeddah who watched the contest said she admired the creativeness of Filipino fashion designers.
“It was a fabulous show,” she said. “I love the theme of fun and fabric colors,” she said.
Labor Attaché Nasser Munder, head of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office
(POLO) who was one of the guest speakers, said such contests must go on to inspire creativity but exhorted Kapit-Bisig members not to lose their sight in pursuing their main aim, which is to help fellow OFWs with livelihood programs.
The winners went home with lovely trophies, and prizes from Sky Freight Forwarders.
Lucky winners in the raffle draw also brought home prizes, including a computer set, computer items, sea cargo certificates and household items from ATME Computer, Sky Freight, B.G. Center, Wodjo Shop, Dream Center, Retouched Shop, Ed Rufino of the OFW Cooperative Council, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) represented by Welfare Officer Rose Octaviano.
Providing additional entertainment was Jeddah singing sensation Jeanette Cerbito of Al-Hekma International School, who serenaded the audience with her beautiful love songs.
