Filipino fashion ready to dazzle in New Jersey

Philippine fashion design will again be spotlighted on the international stage as "The Philippine Cultural Heritage Show: An Evening of Cultural Exchange and Fashion Elegance" is set to happen on 15 October at the Grand Ballroom of Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the United States.

The event is organized by non-stock and non-profit organization Partnerships for Sustainable Development Inc., whose mission is to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, to launch its advocacy program called "Inclusivity in Diversity" and it also includes the launch of the Global Search for the UN SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) Ambassadors, a creative industry exhibit and sale of Filipino products including traditional crafts.

Directed by Nilo Agustin, "The Philippine Cultural Heritage Show" will showcase the collections of designers Albert Andrada, Sophia Therese Manimbo and Amir Sali and the creations will incorporate different traditional textiles of the Philippines in line with its theme, "The Philippines: Perla del Mar de Oriente (Pearl of the Orient Seas)." It aims to promote these textiles to the world.

Andrada is among the prominent designers in the Philippines, known for the royal blue, crystal-embellished evening gown worn by Pia Wurtzbach when she won the Miss Universe title in 2015. He presented his couture and ready-to-wear creations here and around the world.

Hailing from Jolo, Sulu, Sali is more known in the Middle East, where he mostly practices his profession and established a loyal clientele, than in the Philippines. He even made pieces for the royal family in Saudi Arabia.

Manimbo is the youngest among the three and is just starting to make a name for herself in Philippine fashion. The New Jersey show will be her first international exposure. The collection she will be presenting is called Pandanggo, inspired by the vibrance of Philippine dances. She said she will be incorporating the Ilocano hand-woven textile or inabel and Maguindanao hand-woven textile or inaul, which she rendered into eye-catching patchworks.

The PSDI has partnered with different organizations for "The Philippine Cultural Heritage Show," notably the Queen of Hearts Foundation Inc., led by its chairman Mitzie Go Gil.

The show is also a charity venture and proceeds will go to different projects including Meals on Wheels in Jersey City; Kisame Para sa Bahay ni San Jose, a campaign to raise funds for the construction of the roof of Saint Joseph the Husband of Mary Church in Bangad, Cabanatuan City; and the tree-nurturing and waste management projects of Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD.