How these women advocates prefer their Filipiniana

Just like the Filipiniana and all things locally crafted, a diverse group of advocates championing various social and environmental causes have emerged to redefine feminine strength and style.

Kultura, the go-to for all things authentic and quality Filipino products, recently came out with a prestigious list for Women's Month, which includes environmentalist and Mind Nation co-founder Cat Triviño, DSWD Undersecretary and Hope for Lupus founder Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Congresswoman and lawyer Margarita (Migs) Nograles, rheumatologist Dr. Geraldine Zamora, vegan cookbook author Jeeca Uy, children's book author and event host Pauline Amelinckx, fashion model and influencer Shaha Meta and theater artist Gab Pangilinan.

Beyond their accomplishments and advocacies, they are also women of style — fashion independents who are proud of our cultural heritage and creatively mix traditional and modern pieces from Kultura.

Triviño advocates for sustainability alongside mental health awareness and accessibility. She is committed to creating a more eco-conscious, inclusive world that reflects the multifaceted nature of the Filipina. Cat shows her edgy and adventurous side with a black laser-cut terno bolero and red buntal clutch from Kultura.

Aglipay-Villar advocates against human trafficking, while also serving as founder of Hope for Lupus, which raises awareness of this uncommon disease. A lover of local weaves and traditional artistry, she opts for a denim jacket hand-embroidered by the T'boli tribe and elevates it with a silk tulle skirt.

Nograles empowers others in and out of the office through her platform "Paano Ba Attorney?" which educates the public by providing free legal advice. Due to her busy schedule, Migs prefers versatile pieces like a floral embroidered terno blazer which she can easily dress down with denim; or dress up with an elegant skirt or slacks.

Dr. Zamora promotes health equity by serving medical ward patients and raising funds for their procedures. Swapping her usual doctor's coat for Filipiniana, Geraldine wears a Yakan weave opera coat with terno sleeves, complemented by coral jewelry. Her formal Filipiniana ensemble features a gold mestiza top, yellow laser-cut skirt, and baroque pearls.

Uy inspires us to make healthier food choices. An advocate for buying local produce whenever possible. Just as she actively promotes Pinoy food, Jeeca shows her support for Filipino fashion and chooses a beige terno top paired with a delicate pink and white laser-cut skirt for an ultra-feminine look.

Widely known as an events host, Amelinckx has also published a children's coloring book focused on marine conservation. Her dedication to inspiring youth communities highlights her commitment to shaping a new generation of Filipinas. As the reigning Miss Supranational Philippines, she wears Filipiniana clothes with ease and elegance, like this terno top with bright floral appliques which reflects her radiant personality.

Meta is breaking barriers by promoting modest fashion as a statement of empowerment. With this, she inspires women to take pride in their identity with grace and style. Shaha wears a hijab, a long-sleeved piñasilk peplum top with a demure neckline and a buntal bag accented by a black agate.

A staunch supporter of culture and the arts, Pangilinan aims to promote and sustain all aspects of theater acting. Beyond a profession, theater for her serves as an escape; it heals, inspires and showcases the abundant talent of the Filipino. Just as she supports the performing arts, Gab takes pride in her heritage and mixes a cropped terno top with traditional embroidery and a modern black laser cut skirt.