How former janitor became world-class fashion designer

MANILA, Philippines - Karen Davila features the life and success story of famous fashion designer Avel Bacudio (photo), who once worked as a janitor and a designer’s assistant before making a mark in the fashion industry, on ABS-CBN’s My Puhunan airing today at 4 p.m.

Named Asia’s Most Influential Designer of the Year by Mercedes Benz, Avel was born in Camarines Sur and is the second eldest of 10 children. He went to Manila to work as a janitor, a babysitter of his nephews and a designer’s assistant whose main job was to serve coffee.

Even without formal training in design and making gowns, Avel’s designs gained recognition in the industry, from the Philippines to New York, Tokyo, Paris and Milan.

Now, Avel has achieved success. In My Puhunan, he shows Karen his condo unit and his new designs that will be featured in his upcoming fashion show in Canada. Avel will also help 24-year-old aspiring fashion designer Joemel Calma, who grew up in a farm.