DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Davao-based couturier Marck Joseph Sayad swept all the categories in the Kadagayaan Fashion Night with his winning creations that showcased indigenous materials, traditional fabric and patterns rich in Davao del Norte.
Local fashion designers showed what they’ve got during the charity fashion show last June 26, 2018 at the RDR Gym and Cultural Center.
Sayad topped the indigenous-inspired casual wear and formal wear/evening gown categories.
The three-time runner-up in the Moda Mindanao fashion competition used abaca, tinalak, and wooden beads in his Ata tribe-inspired designs in both two categories, with seashells accentuating his evening gown design.
Eventual Bb. DavNor 2018 winner Lesley Anne Ticaro modeled both designs of Sayad.
Mimi Tandingan grabbed the first runner-up and second runner-up prizes in the formal wear and casual wear, respectively. While Evan Fernandez clinched the first runner-up in the casual wear and Amy dela Pena copped the second runner-up prize in the evening gown.
The event, which featured over 30 designs inspired by the different ethnic tribes in the province, is among the highlights of the weeklong Kadagayaan Festival 2018 nightly activities in the celebration of the 51st Araw ng Davao del Norte.
Davao del Norte first Lady Karina Anne del Rosario along with Carmen Mayor Virginia Perandos, B.E Dujali Mayor Atty. Leah Marie Moral-Romano, New Corella Mayor Rhodora Alcoran and other members of the Davao del Norte Provincial Council of Women, paraded the masterpieces of the contestants.
Proceeds of the event will benefit Women Fabric Production Center, which intends to enhance income opportunities for the women sector in the province.
Governor Anthony del Rosario said the event sought to creatively develop and actively promote the province's design, talents, and indigenous materials, as well as promote women empowerment.
“(This is part of our) important work of protecting and preserving our rich and diverse cultural heritage as well as advocating for women empowerment,” he said.
The 51st founding anniversary of Davao del Norte is sponsored by Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (Tadeco), Ulticon Builders, Inc. and MED 9.