VARIOUS traditional Filipino ensembles and native wear are now on display at SM Lanang Premier's atrium to celebrate the 118th Philippine Independence Day on June 12.
Dubbed as "Mindanao Fashion," the exhibit, which opened last June 3 and will end on June 12, features a number of modern and classic Filipiniana ensembles from SM's Kultura, superb quality barongs of Architect Michael Dakudao, and some tribal wear gathered by Davao's Kaliwat Theater Collective artistic director Richard Dian Villar.
While the traditional Filipino wear were composed of Filipiniana attire and barong Tagalog, the tribal ensembles are mostly those worn by the Tausugs, Maranaos, Higaonons, T'bolis, Tagabawa Bagobos and Matigsalogs.
In her opening message, SM Lanang Premier's Engr. Therese Lapeña-Manalo said the conduct of the event is both "timely and relevant," especially that the incoming President of the country, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, is from Mindanao.
"Now, more than ever, there is greater national interest in our culture, arts and lifestyle here in Southern Philippines. The exhibit, thus, recognizes this interest and intends to push for the promotion of and awareness on Mindanao fashion across the country," Manalo said.
She noted that "Mindanao in Fashion" is aimed at showcasing the distinct garments -- the ethnic wear of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao as well as the traditional Filipino attire -- that signify the country's historical freedom and identity as a people.
The opening ceremony was graced by Malaysian Consul-General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir, former President of Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133, Danney Barnett, DOT-Davao's Eden Larano-David, Crystal Seas designer Carmaela Alcantara, Center Educator of Museo Dabawenyo Winnie Rose Buslig, and Arch. Dakudao.
Meanwhile, apart from the exhibit, the mall's Independence Day celebration also includes the "Davao Flora: A Water Color Exhibit" by the Davao Watercolor Society at the 2nd level of SM Lanang Premier, just between Book Sale and Crescendo.
Visit SM Lanang Premier's Open Parking C on June 12, 9 a.m, and join government officials, private sector leaders and other visitors for the traditional flag-raising ceremony.
###
If you have special events and fashion tips to share or just want to discuss about any fashion-related concerns with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.