ARTISTS see the world differently and make us see things in a new light through their art.
For local photographer Loel Balangauan, there is more to everyday locations than meets the eye. Through his artistic lenses, he transformed the bustling Bankerohan Public Market into a high fashion shoot location featuring models in artistically styled ukay-ukay wear.
It is in the same vein that Loel decided to do yet another fashion photoshoot in one of Davao’s most iconic local landmarks– Aldevinco Shopping Center.
Located in the heart of the city for more than 50 years now, Aldevinco has been the go-to place of tourists for pasalubong shopping, especially by those staying or attending conventions in Marco Polo Davao as it is only a few steps away. Tourists from all over the world and other parts of the country just love the batik garments, accessories, bags, pearl jewelry and Mindanaoan handicrafts that fill the stores of Aldevinco.
But with the movement restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are no domestic and foreign tourists to patronize what the shopping center has to offer. This is why Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), the local developer behind Aldevinco, is calling on locals to support the local businesses in the shopping center.
By partnering with young artists like Loel, Alsons Dev hopes to attract Dabawenyos and persuade them to discover the hidden gems of Aldevinco Shopping Center. “We want our fellow Dabawenyos to see Aldevinco Shopping Center differently; that it’s not just for tourists, but also offers items that locals will need or appreciate as they stay at home,” said Marga Rey-Gross, the Marketing Manager of Alsons Dev.
To achieve this, Loel and stylist Marc Ryan Kim Dante personally hand-picked the clothes and accessories for the photo shoot. Inspired by the Asian market vibe of the earlier years, the models were artistically photographed amidst the chaos and colors of Aldevinco stores and hallways.
“I want people to see that Aldevinco sells high-quality local products which are also very fashionable. I wanted the youth to recognize and support locally-made fashion pieces, and incorporate these in their wardrobe,” Loel shared.
Marga also shared that this photoshoot is just one of the many ways the company intends to help their tenants bounce back from the crisis. “This is only the beginning. We are also helping our tenants adjust and adapt to the evolving business environment. Expect more exciting things from Aldevinco Shopping Center.”
To know more about Aldevinco Shopping Center, follow their official Facebook page. (Sponsored Content)