"Rosas Filipinas” celebrates the beauty, elegance and refinement of the Filipino woman, its title meant to honor their talent, strength and tenacity, much like a rose that blooms despite adversities. It also aims to be a premier fashion show and platform that celebrates the brilliance of Filipino fashion designers by featuring their creations worn by the country’s best-dressed women.
For its glamorous inaugural edition at the East Ocean Palace Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City late last year, the haute-couture collections of Rose Tolentino Santiago were on splendid display on the runway.
Pink Rose, as she is called in society circles, showcased the well-preserved pieces custom-made for her by Renee Salud, Lito Perez, John Guarnes, Lloyd Arceo and the late Eddie Baddeo.
“This unique showcase serves as a tribute to the rich heritage and the innovative spirit of Philippine fashion, while promoting cultural pride and unity,” explained Pink Rose. “The esteemed designers are the ones who have made my gowns through the years. So, they are the ones featured. I hope to replicate this kind of theme and purpose this year, 2025.”
Pink Rose’s relationships with her favorite designers have grown through mutual respect and shared projects over the years. At the show, directed by Nathan de Leon, each one brought their expertise and creativity, making their collaborations seamless and inspiring.
“Pink Rose is very experimental. She’s brave enough to explore designs that make her a Woman of Style,” said Guarnes.
Arceo echoed the sentiment: “Rose and I have an intimate friendship. She has charisma, which makes her more stunning and sophisticated. I consider her my muse because she is a living and breathing embodiment of many inspiring attributes, and I love that these are all heightened whenever she wears my creations.”
“Pink Rose embodies a modern lady of fashion. She is aware of what she likes and is committed to philanthropic projects that benefit the church and communities she contributes to,” Perez pointed out.
A member of the Philippine Heritage Society, Pink Rose is an actress, a social media influencer, a model, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. She is the host of “Pink Rose TV,” a segment of Circle of Influencers ,which airs on Sundays at 8 pm at Pinoy Extreme Channel.
A relentless fundraiser, Pink Rose is the academe ambassador of the Manila’s Best Dressed, a group of glamorous women that raises funds to build churches and schools. She also shares her abundant blessings to the Manila Girls Home, Home for the Aged Marikina, and the Hallway Center for Pediatric Cancer Children.
“’Rosas Filipinas’ intends to Help Kamay ni Hesus in the province of Quezon under Father Joey Faller. We also donated goods to the Golden Bekis and San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly in Pasay City,” shared Pink Rose. “This year, I hope to launch a foundation that supports aspiring fashion designers from marginalized communities, and provide them with education and resources to succeed.”
“Rosas Filipinas” was created to be a platform that highlights fashion icons and their treasured collections, bringing pieces from renowned designers back to life on the runway. This concept sought to seamlessly merge tradition with contemporary trends, celebrating the timelessness of Filipino fashion.
“Through collaborations with designers and sponsors, and with a passionate team, we carefully planned each detail to bring our vision of preserving Filipino haute couture to reality,” said Pink Rose.
“In the next editions, ‘Rosas Filipinas’ will support budding designers to inspire audiences to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that will define the future of Filipino fashion,” she explained.
What is her wish for the Filipino fashion industry? She answere, “I wish for a more globally recognized industry, with greater support for local talents and a stronger emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation.”