Independence Day #OoTD: Designers modernize the terno

MANILA, Philippines — The “Balik Saya” project headed by the Intramuros Administration (IA) and Manila’s 5th District Representative Cristal Bagatsing, concluded with a design competition that champion Filipino artistry and cultivation of cultural heritage.

Esteemed guests from the senate, congress, partners, and Manila’s design circles arrived at the newly opened National Museum of Natural History, in which they appreciated the architectural masterpiece and unique artifacts that the museum houses.

The program started with the message of how Balik Saya was a way to continue positioning Manila as the center of creativity, culture, and heritage.

"Now you see the beauty of the 5th District which is rich in history, culture and arts - Intramuros, the National Museum, Rizal Park, National Library, so many museums. But behind and outside this beauty there is also a beast, the beast of burden which is poverty," said Rep. Bagatsing.

"Call me idealistic but I truly believe that through promoting my district via tourism I hope to be able to bring more awareness that more jobs can be generated - livelihood, skills enhancement - and can open so many doors to other opportunities. Also because we have a lot of creative talent here that are honorable, and hopefully all this will create more awareness that you do not need to look very far if you really want to help and make a difference and touch people's lives."

Subsequently, the board of judges was introduced, including Inno Sotto, the head judge, Criselda Lontok, National Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Jo-ann Bitagcol, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Lulu Tan Gan, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Dean of SoFA Design Institute’s Tobias Guggenheimer, and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez.

The evening continued with the most-awaited showcase of each creation of the 15 finalists, where the fashion show was opened with the capsule collection of Fashion Designer and Project Mentor Jojie Lloren.

Three designers were given special awards. First was the F.A.B. Choice award, which was received by Christian Bulasag from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He received P100,000 scholarship and was recognized as by Fashion+Arts+Business Creatives to have the most potential to be one of the best Filipino designers in the future.

SoFA Choice, or the Fashion Visionary Award, rewarded to the most creative and innovation piece, went to Vianka Lorraine Castro from St. Scholastica’s College. Lastly, Rana Vashti Sacramento from St. Scholastica’s College accepted her Rustan’s Iconic Award for her creation seen as the most promising in retail design.

Finally, the winners for the Balik Saya design competition were Margaux Gustilo from St. Scholastica’s College for 5th place with P20,000 cash prize, Lou Galang from St. Scholastica’s College as 4th place with P25,000 cash prize, Somera Rana from Colegio de San Juan de Letran as 3rd place with P40,000 cash prize, and Alaine Isabelle Leones from St. Scholastica’s College as 2nd place with P60,000 cash prize. The grand winner who received P100,000 cash prize, an apprenticeship in Rustan’s, and an extensive workshop from SoFA Design Institute, was Mariah Marella Parayray from St. Scholastica’s College.

“Balik Saya” is a project in cooperation with Department of Tourism and in partnership with National Museum of the Philippines, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Destileria Limtuaco, Rustan’s, SoFA Design Institute, The Bayleaf Hotels, and Ilustrado. — Video by Kat Leandicho