WHEN organizers of this year’s Imalan Filipiniana Fashion Parade said it will be a spectacle of the finest women, models, and to-die-for clothes, they were not exactly joking.

To say the event last Sunday afternoon at the SM Event Center of SM City Pampanga was a fashionable fusion of glint and glamour is an understatement. This, as the best local designers Jhune Angeles, Rowell Canlas, and Glen Panlilio showcased their best Filipiniana-inspired designs donned by local models of the finest caliber.

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According to SM City Pampanga public relations officer Roselle Sarmiento, the event aimed at promoting local designers and awakening mall goers on the potential market for local designs that are at par with Imperial Manila.

“This gives a chance to our local designers to promote their designs. Plus the cultural significance coincides with the recent celebration of Philippine Independence. We want people to realize that Filipiniana designs are not just for historical celebrations but could also be worn during formal and semi-casual events,” Sarmiento said.

To add more glamour to the event, the finest women in Pampanga upper society went on the ramp, adorned in their best Filipiniana dresses. Seen doing the catwalk were Dra. Leticia Yap, businesswoman Tess Guanzon, Fritzie David-Dizon, Lina Velez, Alma Tuano, Lourdes Javier, Second District Board Member Edna David, Susan Diyco, and Nor Pineda.

Lina Velez was immaculate in her Filipiniana dress, while Fritzie David-Dizon looked like an ice princess of some sort. Second District Board Member Edna David looked younger and regal in her orange Filipiniana gown that she sported with a quiet mood. All of the older models received powerful applauses from the audience.

Designer Jhune Angeles said the event is an obvious success as more women models participated in this year’s event. He said local designers, through SM City Pampanga’s help, can now have more exposure in terms of showcasing their talents and works.

Dra. Yap and Board Member David said they enjoyed every moment of the fashion show. “It is very refreshing and a happy experience to be young again,” Yap told Sun.Star Pampanga.

David said fashion shows like this should be held more often with the participation of other local designers. “Who knows? We might also be known for our fashion industry. It is not a far-fetched idea,” she said.

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