Kadayawan Haute Culture Wows FilAms of Modern-Indigenous Fashion Mix

New York City – Singer-actress-catwalk model Gail Banawis top-billed the runway for the Kadayawan Haute Culture last Friday which showcased the finest creations of Davao City’s top designers Silverio Anglacer Jr., Kenny Ladaga, Ronnie Nacua, and Stephanie Dacalus.

Along with Banawis were 17 other international models who paraded the tantalizing clothing ensemble out of indigenous, mostly hand-woven fabrics that appeal to modern, on-the-go denizens.

The September 1 fashion show at the Sheraton International East in Flushing was produced by Queens Asian Fest (Myrna De Guia-Gutierrez & Rolan Gutierrez) and Debbie Nack Sese. It took cognizance of the Kadayawan Festival held annually in Davao, in southern Philippines, as an indigenous thanksgiving tradition for a deity at Mt. Apo for an abundant harvest. The name of the festival is a derivative “madayaw”, a friendly greeting which literally means precious or valuable.

Singers Kirby Asunto and Rowena Garana presented special Filipino songs during the fashion show.

Cecile Duyongco, the production and creative manager attributed the success of the fashion show to its hard working staff, headed by event coordinator Helen Kwong, music director Nonoy Rafael, and Road Manager Joseph Espadilla.

Part of the proceeds of the Kadayawan Haute Culture will be donated to the displaced families of  war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao. (Press release by Cecile Duyongco)