Pitoy Moreno’s recent show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, "Ginintuang Moreno", celebrated 50 years of his dressing up women in obi fabric, lace, beads, jusi, full skirts, balloon minis, ternos, Maria Claras. For decades Pitoy has made women attractive, desirable, distinct and individually elegant.
He has contributed to the nation works of art through his creations and explored native fabrics, embroidery and couture. Truly, the history of Philippine fashion cannot be written without referring to Pitoy Moreno and his works.
"In behalf of my ever-beautiful models from the Golden Past walking on stage still like regal queens... Carolyn Magsibay, Bessie Badilla, Susan Reyes, Crispy Santamaria and Ingrid, Margie Moran....
"From my folk arts workers – piña to tinalak native weavers, dyers, costureras, tailors, delicate embroiderers and crystal beaders to textile painters and jewelers.
(One should add teaching manangs from Laguna and Parañaque who embroidered piña and costureras male and female who sang to the buzz of the sewing machines. One sewer has even been with Pitoy for 44 years.)
"From my childhood friends, faithful university classmates, Upsilon brothers... (like the Laurels)... to those powerful people of press, television and radio... yet surprisingly so gentle on me in their coverage and interviews.
"From the Cultural Center’s backstage crew to its Front Office managers...
I must congratulate the CCP’s and Gantimpala Foundation... Gino Gonzales, Ed Murillo, Monino Duque, Dennis Marasigan.
"Above all, Eternal Muses... (Imelda Cojuangco, Marissa Concepcion, Vicky Cuisia and Paz Monteclaro), the royal patrons and stakeholders of nationwide fund-raising event to build a new powerhouse of artists for the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
It was successful.
"All the effort was geared towards the restoration of human dignity for our needy people like those of Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga and Laura Vicuna Foundation of the Concepcions and Cuisias."
The CCP was not wanting in the exhibit of talents’ artistic ideas and implementation. Pitoy’s show was actually a three-in-one celebration of singing, dancing and modeling in a set, made as astonishingly stunning with capiz lamps as well as masked and spectacular lighting.
Lastly from Pitoy, "My heartfelt gratitude to our dear President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her late beloved parents, President and Mrs. Diosadado Macapagal. Also to the string of first ladies since the 1900s who were instrumental in my foreign exposure and presentation of our Philippine fashion."
That phrase alone perfectly sums up the achievement of Jose "Pitoy" Moreno, in a career that is truly golden. We are ecstatic to be a part of this event along with Imelda Cojuangco, Marissa Concepcion, Vicky Cuisia, Paz Monteclaro, Penny de Leon and myself to raise funds for the CCP’s Arts People’s Program, for Gawad Kalinga and the Laura Vicuna Foundation. We believe we reflected our love of country and the needy through someone who has brought pride and distinction to our nation.