THE graduates of Gil Macaibay III’s annual workshop Strike A Pose were tapped to model the pieces of our own Prince of Haute Couture and Vesti during the second edition of Tela Mindanao held August 23 at SM CDO Downtown.
One segment alone could not contain the two-hour ramp fashion show so the whole event was divided into several collections: Obsidian Poetry, baro’t saya, Icons of CDO, Vesti and Precious of Malaysia collection.
They all have one thing in common: they were all made of textiles indigenous to Mindanao such as Hinabol from Bukidnon, Langkit and Balud from Lanao, Mindanao silk, malong from Zamboanga and T’nalak from Cotabato.
Since the start, the show aptly called Tela Mindanao has been a passion for both Macaibay and Rodriguez.
“To all our Tela Mindanao partners who believed in our advocacy to uplift Mindanao’s weaving industry and preserve the richness of our heritage and culture, Daghang Salamat! Your support, trust, and shared passion continue to keep our traditions alive and empower the communities behind every weave,” Macaibay said.
For her part, Rodriguez said Vesti reflects her passion for working and collaborating with weaving communities across Mindanao, bringing their artistry into distinctive pieces.
Tela Mindanao kicked off with a three-day Heritage Market featuring the works of these weavers, shoe and bag makers, jewelry makers, tribal bead makers and more.
Now on its ninth season, the Strike A Pose graduates were joined onstage by Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cindy Obenita, also currently the provincial tourism officer of Misamis Oriental.
Tela Mindanao – where heritage comes alive in fashion; where local craftsmanship and opportunities meet!
