Local-based designers’ creations take center stage in Runway Caloocan 2024

Local-based designers’ creations take center stage in Runway Caloocan 2024 | Contributed photo

Five local-based fashion artisans competed for the title of this year’s top designer as Caloocan City held its second cultural fashion show, Runway Caloocan 2024, on Friday, September 20.

Vying for one title, the designers exhibited their different takes on the Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya.

Paulo Delos Santos of Barangay 178 emerged victorious as he was declared the Best Designer for this year’s competition, while Reyjie Enriquez and Danica Sayo clinched the Best Male and Female Model award, respectively.

Other participants who showcased their masterpieces were Bobby Dato of Barangay 175; Yvonne Alcantara of Barangay 186;  Jherald Hernandez of Barangay 174; and, Miyuki Archangel of Barangay 185.

The event, which was opened to the public free of charge, also featured renowned fashion gurus Ehrran Montoya, Maxie Andreison, and Mike Lim as the panel of judges.

Caloocan First Lady and Caloocan Cultural Affairs and Tourism Council (CATC) Chairperson Aubrey Malapitan emphasized the significance of the fashion pieces created by the participants in bringing cultural and historical awareness to the public, especially to the youth.

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Caloocan City First Lady and Cultural Affairs and Tourism Council Chairperson Mrs. Aubrey Malapitan with the Best Model awardee under the female category, Danica Sayao. | Contributed photo

“Hindi lamang kinang, kulay, at ganda ang ating nasaksihan. Ang bawat kasuotang ito ang nagkwe-kwento ng ating kasaysayan na isinalin-salin sa bawat henerasyon at patuloy na bumubuhay sa ating pusong makabayan,” she said.

(We witnessed not only glitter, color, and beauty. Each of these garments tells the story of our history that has been translated from generation to generation and continues to live in our patriotic hearts.)

“Ang Filipiniana at Barong Tagalog ay simbolo ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Pilipino, at nagpapakita hindi lang ng yaman ng ating kultura kundi pati na rin ang mga sakripisyong ginawa ng ating mga bayani para sa kalayaang tinatamasa natin ngayon. Truly, our national costumes are our pride and glory,” added the chairperson.

(Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog are symbols of our identity as Filipinos, and show not only the richness of our culture but also the sacrifices made by our heroes for the freedom we enjoy today.)

City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan also expressed his gratitude to the participants for showcasing their talent and creativity as he vowed to continue supporting projects that would integrate the value of history, culture, and tourism to the locality.