Saturday, June 23, 2007 Santacruzan in city By Janette Huang Teves Mom-about town
THERE are a lot of activities that parents and their children can accomplish in the mall these days. Pampering time at the spa, check! Play time in the arcade, check! Eating at your favorite restaurant, check! Driver's license renewal, check!
What about watching the Santacruzan procession in the comforts of an air-conditioned mall? Check! Yes, you read it right; this age-old custom has now invaded the family's well-loved tambayan.
Santacruzan
The Santacruzan is a procession that parades biblical and historical characters which are represented by Sagalas (literally meaning "little shepherdess") dressed in appropriately themed costumes. It is held in many cities, towns and even small villages throughout the Philippines during the month of May.
The festivity commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine. After the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Rome, there was a joyful celebration for thanksgiving.
Project Runway
During the last week of May, I had the honor to be one of the judges of the Sagala gown competition organized by SM City Davao, City Mayor's Office and City Tourism Office at SM City Davao's Entertainment Plaza. Now on its 4th year, the Santacruzan grand parade was held both inside and outside the mall.
Together with other judges Mindanao Times columnist Architect Michael Dacudao, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Sonia Garcia, Mindanao Insider columnist Dr. Gary Sicam and multi-awarded fashion designer Emy Ingles, we evaluated the exquisite gowns based on the following criteria: PRE-JUDGING--creativity, 25 percent and craftsmanship, 25 percent; DURING THE PARADE--hang and fit, 25 percent and Santacruzan appeal, 25 percent.
Ten talented homegrown designers vied for this year's best Sagala gown design award, namely: Ronan Opina, Wendell Mira, John Paul Valderasa, Peter Recto, Alfred Cabiles, Jay-R Magdaleno, Boyet Agpon, Marc Bernalte, Pei Tiambeng, Don Mascarinas, and Manny Deiparine.
Winning designs
The Reyna del Cielo (Queen of the Heaven) Sagala gown of Don Mascarinas grabbed the grand prize. His marvelous creation donned by model Reslyn Mendoza was a body-hugging tangerine serpentine gown made of shantung and embroidered organza with dramatic extended panuelo. The panuelo was quite unique with its horsehair and bone wire combined with an appliqu‚ lace laden with Swarovski crystals and rhinestone. It was neatly tucked into electric pleated materials together with the feathers.
Mascarinas took home a cash prize of P20,000 and a plaque.
On the other hand, Peter Recto, a budding designer under the mentorship of award winning designer Garimon Roferos, was declared as first runner-up winner for his Reyna de las Estrellas (Queen of Stars) masterpiece. He won a cash prize of P10,000. His dainty creation was gracefully modeled by Mutya ng Dabaw 2004 Aileen Cainglet.
Recto's modern aquamarine full body and sexy off-shoulder ball gown was filled with Swarovski crystals in gold sequins with sea creature-inspired patterns.
And, finally, the second runner-up award with a cash prize of P8,000 was given to Jay-R Magdaleno for his Reyna Fe (Queen of Faith) creation. Magdaleno is a resident designer of Racquel's.
As Reyna Fe symbolizes the virtue of faith, Magdalenos' one-of-a kind design was a traditional Filipiniana gown with patch and table mats accentuated by beadworks and cross pendants. It was made of royal blue silk and white duchess silk. In addition, the bodice and skirt were full quilt and pleated details embellished with beads, sequins and crystals. Mutya ng Dabaw 2007 Clarisse Ann Escala was stunning and doll-like in this whimsical creation.
Non-winning designers for the gowns of Reyna Banderada, Reyna Mora, Reyna Sheba, Reyna Esther, Rosa Mystica, Reyna de las Propetas and Reyna de las Virgines, received consolation prizes of P3,000 each and plaques of appreciation.
Family affair
The venue was packed with families who were all eager to look at the spectacular gowns and the elegant ladies all dolled up. For many of the children, it was their first time to see this most-awaited Filipino tradition up close.
In addition, students from the Magallanes Elementary School took part in the afternoon procession.
Eight girls wearing angel costumes carried individual letters to complete the word "AVE MARIA" while adorable boys and girls clad in Filipino costumes gamely carried the colorful banners of the parade.
Some of the other Santacruzan participants included Reyna Esperanza, Reyna Caridad, Reyna Abogada, Reyna Sentenciada, Reyna Justicia Reyna Judith, Samaritana, Veronica, Mary Mother of James, Reyna Paz, Reyna de las Flores and Reyna Elena.
I am sharing to you photos of this successful affair. (For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com)
