Filipino fashion designers in Jeddah delighted a crowd of around 100 guests on Oct. 22 at the Al-Harithy Hotel when they held their “Maharlika: Mga Ginoo ng Bagong Bayani” show.
The brainchild of Victor E. Teves, the chairman of Hiyas, the Philippine Folk Ensemble, the event was held to showcase the best of Philippine fashion design and to choose the overseas Filipino worker of the year.
Colorful tribal costumes inspired by Filipino tribes from the Baguio area all the way down to Mindanao, wowed the audience. The glittering barongs, some in black and gold, others richly embroidered in white on white, were a delight to the eye.
Hiyas began screening candidates for the man of the year contest last July, and 14 candidates were chosen. A group of seven Filipino designers working in Jeddah was also selected and given the task of designing two outfits for each of the candidates: A tribal inspired outfit and a Barong Tagalog, the traditional Filipino dress shirt for men which is usually made of pi?a, or pineapple fiber.
After months of rehearsals, Johnny Fabricante, a finance secretary at the Hilton Hotel, was the named the winner, followed by Nicolai Cook, first runner up; Joey Huerto, second runner up; Robert Garin, third runner up, and Allan Pangan, fourth runner up.
Fabricante was also adjudged best in tribal wear and best in casual wear. Cook was found to be Mr. Popularity, while Larry Vinas was Mr. Friendship. Junee Villanueva was Mr. Talent, while Francis Raymond Palma with his sweet smile was Mr. Photogenic. Best in Barong Tagalog was Cook.
The best designer in tribal wear was Ramon Crispin, while the best designer in barongs was Jessie Balute. The Hiyas Designer of the Year award deservedly went to Ramon Crispin for his elegant yet luxurious designs. Three roundtrip tickets to Manila were awarded courtesy of Qatar Airways, Elaf Travel, and Gulf Air. Giordano kindly provided the clothes for the casual wear portion of the contest, while Samir-Kodak provided digital cameras to all of the winners.
Glen Sibag, Jerry Lagrimas, Eugene Untalasco, and Bobby Ensomo all worked tirelessly to make the event a success, which was hosted by Ajid Sayas.
Hiyas is planning more cultural events for next year such as a cultural exchange festival with other ASEAN consulates and a literary contest, according to Teves.
