Cebuano designer dresses up Miss Sierra Leone

CEBU, Philippines - Consider this Filipino hospitality at its best.

Without a second’s hesitation, Cebuano streetwear designer Yves Camingue extended a hand to his co-designer and friend Jian Lasala in spearheading a fund-raising campaign to help Sierra Leone’s first-ever Miss Universe candidate fulfill her bid in the renowned pageant.

Camingue has been based in Manila. Lasala hails from Iligan City, but having attended college in a Cebu City university has made him feel like an adopted Cebuano.

The inspiring act of these two Filipino designers had made waves on social media and became a trending topic for days. Camingue and Lasala assured Pinoy pageant fans that their support for Kamara doesn’t mean they are not cheering on for Miss Philippines Maxine Medina.

Netizens, in return, welcomed the pro bono act with open hearts and minds as it is another shining testament to the world-famous Filipino warmth and generosity.

It was November last year when Camingue and Lasala learned about Miss Kamara’s appeal for financial assistance. Through the help of the national director of the Miss Universe Sierra Leone pageant, Kamara took her blog to Gofundme.com where she implored for aid from kind-hearted individuals, since she lacked sponsors who will fund her Manila trip and other competition necessities.

This is the first time that the nation of Sierra Leone is joining Miss Universe. Kamara, in essence, is making history as the first woman from her West African country who will vie for the title in the 65-year-old beauty tilt which is being held this year in the Philippines.

It is quite understandable that a war-torn and once Ebola virus-stricken country has more pressing priorities that need budget allocation. Spending for a delegate in an international beauty pageant is certainly not among the government of Sierra Leone’s important goals for now.

Kamara’s family is also not capable of raising the money, their brood having been raised by a single mother.

Driven by her ultimate desire to participate in a gathering of the most beautiful women in the universe and wave her flag on the global stage, this lady taking matters into her own hands has been most impressive.

“Hawa’s appeal was so touching. We could see in her eyes her passion and eagerness to join the competition. With an unconventional and fierce beauty, plus impressive communication abilities and a built-in confidence, she has great chances to come out on top,” says Camingue, who studied Mass Communications at the University of the Philippines Cebu.

“Ever since the whole world knew about her struggle, everybody has kept an eye on her. She gets noticed, which is good for her. It’s a scenario of an unknown woman who came out on top and became someone to watch out for. This is why we like her.”

Camingue adds that Miss Sierra Leone is a go-getter, has such a strong soul and doesn’t care what people say about her. “She also has a natural fashion sense. She knows that the fun part of fashion is through the play of colors. Hawa is slowly becoming more and more competitive,” he shares. 

Aware that there will be no personal return of investment, Camingue co-started last November the fund drive that aimed to raise at least 5,000 US dollars for Kamara. As of this writing, they managed to raise half of the targeted amount.

Camingue also reached out to some of his Cebuano friends and fellow designers Celine Borromeo and Mark Tenchavez of Shandar who both volunteered to provide some of Kamara’s gowns and accessories.

Camingue likewise got assurance from friends in Manila to provide Kamara with free crash courses on public speaking (including question and answer sessions), personality development and runway training.

Filipino designers Arnold Galang, Ann Casas, Devon Tanada, Jaggy Clarino, Yako Reyes, Jeff Silvestre, Ryan Uson, Manny Halasan, Mikee Andrei, and Manelle Chamian also pledged to lend their creations to Kamara. At least 80 percent of these gowns and dresses are brand-new.

When Kamara arrived in the country weeks back, a mellow-dramatic atmosphere filled the air during her first meeting with the two people whom she called ‘the best people in the world.’ She couldn’t stop expressing how grateful she is with Camingue and Lasala’s compassion. In return, she promised to stun the world with her fierce and exotic projection and do everything she can to bring home Sierra Leone’s first Miss Universe title come January 30.

“I think I have been so blessed,” quips Camingue, when asked why he has no qualms about helping others, including Kamara. His Cebuano friends always tell him he already reached his goals in life. But he said helping is his way of giving back all the blessings he has received through the years.

For a couple of years now, Camingue has been recognized by famous celebrity stylists as their supplier of choice. He has been providing the wardrobes of stars such as Vice Ganda, Yeng Constantino and Sam Concepcion. He also regularly provides for the attires of Alden Richards, and recently, KZ Tandingan, Billy Crawford and Sarah Geronimo.

Camingue started designing for school plays and drum and bugle corps during his high school days. Years of experience helped him hone his craftsmanship, turning him into one of the most sought-after designers at the moment. Next month, his designs will be made available worldwide via his self-managed online boutique placed on the MizMoxie.com website.  

The designer considers himself lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who have been very supportive of his endeavor from the very beginning. He emphasized the importance of a network of supporters for inspiration and motivation.

Camingue also shared his devotion to his hometown’s patron, the Senyor Santo Niño. One unforgettable experience he had during Sinulog was when he passed out during a procession. He continues to keep a small image of Santo Niño by his bedside to whom he offers a prayer day and night.

He knows he will never stop helping others as long as he has the capacity to do so. He is willing to share his skills and expertise to budding designers of this generation. He believes that he has been given much in order to give to others.

To those willing to pool in additional help and sponsor Kamara’s on-going Miss Universe bid, you may contact Camingue on his Facebook account or through his mobile number 09176774633. Rich Salibay (FREEMAN)