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Staying true to the local theme of the three-day celebration in Qatar of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence,"Beautiful Philippines", the recently-concluded event put the spotlight not just on the talents of Filipinos but also the colourful and rich culture of their nation.
The presentation of renowned Philippine festivals took the audience on a journey across the different provinces and islands of the Southeast Asian country. They were given a glimpse into the traditions and history of the Filipino nation through the display of traditional costumes given with a modern twist by some of the reputable Filipino fashion designers based in Qatar.
During the search for ambassadors for Philippine tourism in Qatar titled"Lakan at Lakambini ng Kalayaan 2017" (Mr and Ms Philippine Independence Day 2017), intricately designed national attires were modelled by the candidates. Behind the fabulous creations were the members of the Filipino Fashion Designers in Qatar (FFDQ).
Alcazar Hailadani Samindih, a fashion designer at Saujan Ladies Couture Shop, infused Hollywood glamour into the Filipiniana (national dress for women) and barong (national dress for men) worn by HERO Qatar's candidates Paula Dizon and Raffy Gimena.
"Paula's dress is a collage of different materials embellished with cabochon along the bodice, with the details of the skirt bearing touches of Hollywood glamour. Raffy's barong is highlighted with intricate filigree details of embroidery," according to Alcazar.
The creations of the veteran designer with 19 years of experience in the fashion industry in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Qatar bagged the titles of Best in Creative Barong and Best in Creative Terna. Paula's dress celebrated the Manggahan Festival of Guimaras. Iloilo also won the Best in Festival Costume.
Vhong Taasan dressed the candidates of Bol-Anon Association Qatar Brenda Liza Cagatin and Norman Rey Ratunil in Filipino-Spanish inspired ensemble with the group representing Zamboang City's Hermosa Festival. Zamboanga City bears the nickname Asia's Latin City because of its Hispanic-influenced culture.
"Norman's barong is a black and gray fitted pageant barong with black roses applique airbrushed painted, details adorned with black and silver Swarovski crystals and vintage neck cufflinks to complete the modern design. Brenda's modern Filipiniana is a black fully-beaded serpentine gown with red craved crystallised fabric appliqued on top of a red Italian taffeta adorned with black organza roses and red crystals. The bodice is a monochrome red and black Italian taffeta and French tulle with black tussled Swarovski crystals, fully-beaded neckline and long butterfly sleeves to complete the modern Filipiniana look," according to the designer.
Another crowd favourites were the creations of Celso Collado Dahil for WeGo Qatar candidates Jasmin Mendenilla and Albert Castro Jr. Celso is a professional fashion designer working with Al Ghaida Tailoring Shop since 2005. A native of Quezon, he started his career as portrait and layout artist. He also worked as a fashion designer in Saudi Arabia from 1991 to 2005. To present the Dinagyang Festival, Celso created a modern barong and Filipiniana inspired by sarimanok (legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao) for Albert and Jasmin. The modern barong was made of wire and embroidery, accessories and embellished with Swarovski crystals. The filipiniana gown is a deep red serpentine sarimanok-inspired dress made of Italian Taffetta Satin, embellished with embroidery, pearls and Swarovski crystals accentuated with gold embroidery as belt.
While seasoned designer Ronald Francisco gladly shared his expertise with the candidates of Moving Colours Jasryl Badeo and Jerico Mangunay, the group representing Tuna Festival in the pageant. Ronald is a former member of the Society of Filipino Fashion Designers in Saudi Arabia and a designer for 12 years for a high atelier named Bashair Fashion.
"In the creation of Filipiniana and barong, we can see the dedication and passion of the designer behind the masterpiece. The filipiniana and barong of Jasryl and Jerico embodies the fashion exotica and carrying the regional influences of the Philippines. In addition, I also incorporated creative ideas to the attires to appeal to the audience," said Ronald.
Other featured creations were the works of Alain Hilvano Geli flaunting Pintados Festival for Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble Philippines candidates, Rhaj Galvez creation featuring Pahiyas Festival for Doha Shutter Bugz group, Jamila Marcos Ahmed creation featuring Piat Zambili Festival for Beats N' Bytes, Alex de Vera Adriano creation representing Panagbenga Festival costume for Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy and Mon Sarmiento's creation featuring Kalivungan Festival.
