Dance in unison

SUCH is a phrase that is so simple yet a potent one. Six unassuming words utterly describe the essence of the renowned Sinulog Festival.

The same slogan inspired an innovative designer like Hanz Coquilla to think up an unusual idea relevant to the occasion. Out of the vivid message, he came up with not only a collection of expressive clothes but also a concept deluged with meaningful thought.

This way, fashion pays chic tribute to the Mother of all Festivals. When impressions of faith and style collide, what is born is a show duly entitled as the “Dance in Unison.”

If only to reiterate a familiar fact, Sinulog is an annual festivity that holds a moving climax every third Sunday of January. Though it is also celebrated in several other places in the country, over time, Sinulog has become more commonly linked to Cebu.

It is during these days when Cebuano folks—even local and foreign tourists—leave the comforts of home to go out of their way just to witness the joyful revelry that is always unmistakably felt throughout the city. Thus, the expression “Sinulog fever” came to be.

Interestingly, getting hit by the Sinulog fever could entail some sort of a personal dedication too. By that we mean, to start with a sincere spiritual devotion and then do an outward culmination through dramatic wear. Here is where Coquilla’s four-piece collection comes to the rescue.

“This collection speaks about how blessed we are as Cebuanos,” begins Coquilla. He went on to explain how Cebu is endowed with “the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, underwater landscapes in Bantayan, Mactan and Moalboal to name a few.”

Thus, he deems it a perfect timing to showcase his works, inspired from the naturally bestowed beauty, in line with the celebration of Sinulog. As he puts it: “This is a way of welcoming and showing tourists that Cebu is indeed a chest full of treasures.”

Each piece in this collection depicts different interpretations of how a true gem should be done in cloth. That goal is not only realized through well-crafted garbs, but also the notion of creating some designs exuding eco-friendly sensation through “entirely recycled fabrics.”

Hanz cut each fabric in varied strip sizes and carefully manipulated them to create coral-like components that, when put together, generate a close replica of the coral reefs. Through these pieces, how can anyone not be proud of being part of a paradise like Cebu?