Kaayo in SM Aura

MORE foreign tourists and locals from Manila may be able to purchase clothes designed by the indigenous people T’boli and Bagobo-Tagabawa as Kaayo Modern Mindanao opens their pop-up store in SM Aura last Tuesday, July 2.

It was a happy Mary Ann Montemayor who shared that after busy preparations prior to the opening of the pop-up store in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, they are glad of how warm the fashion brand was received in that part of Metro Manila. Knowing BGC as surrounded by different offices and hotels and SM Aura being one of the premier malls in Manila, Montemayor said they are looking forward that more regular buyers of Kaayo and new buyers will be able to purchase from their BGC pop-up store.

“This is a three-month long pop-up store and to be considered by SM Aura is such an honor for Kaayo Modern Mindanao,” Montemayor shared.

During the opening, esteemed guests came to show their support to the brand such as Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran-Floriendo, basketball professional and TV personality Chris Tiu, news anchor Karen Davila, and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat among others. All of them were wearing signature Kaayo Modern Mindanao clothes showcasing the patterns and the intricate beading works of the indigenous people of Mindanao.

“We took pictures of these personalities wearing our products and sent it to the artisans who made it. They were happy to see that their creations are being worn by famous personalities because of course they know these people,” she shared.

She added that it also helps with the promotion of the brand that known personalities are already wearing them with pride. Even foreigners are becoming more interested with the products.

Kaayo Modern Mindanao was launched by Montemayor and her daughter Marga Montemayor-Nograles in 2017. They work hand-in-hand with the T’boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, the Bagobo-Tagabawa of the outskirts of Mt. Apo, and some other designers and sewers from Mindanao.