I missed my interview with Dita Sandico-Ong this week in time to give you a sneek peek of what to expect on her 25th Anniversary Fashion Show, High On Silver. Hopefully, we would be able to schedule one next week.
Meantime, do drop by her show and you’ll be treated to experience uniquely Filipino high craftsmanship and innovative designs. While being inspired that she does so with the conviction for the environment and indigenous communities from the North to the South of the Philippines.
I just love going back to Cubao, actually these days, I welcome just any excuse to go back.
This time, I spent the day with friends touring and taking pictures of the usually off-limits avant garde shops of the famous alternative place.
People go to Cubao X for a lot of reasons, some go for the art, others for the cafes, the music, others, like me, for some vintage treasure hunts.
Getting ready for some treasure tripping...
Read more on Cubao X: Where green living is all Green and Go…
For some time, Dita Sandico Ong has been someone I have wanted to meet. I was inspired how she had the vision to transform the use of banana, abacca and other natural plant fibers into a fashion art form. I read somewhere before that her efforts have made it possible for revolutionizing the Philippine natural fiber industry by providing communities in dying industries with more sustainable income and struggling cultural heritage to become alive again.
I admired her fashion so much that I wanted my wedding gown done by her, but due to budget considerations, I didn’t even ask, hayyy.
That was more than 9 years ago and at the Manila F.A.M.E, who should I chance upon unexpectedly???
It was exciting to see the artist skillfully do the folds herself. Seeing her gather the abacca ends into loops, without any apparent direction or pattern but merely falling into the rhythm of the fabric is just simply inspiring. I realized, just how much of her style has also inspired me in mine for my flowers.
Read more on Dita Sandico Ong: Bringing out the Modern Filipina under wraps…
For years, almost all my life actually, I have been fascinated with Philippine exported products. I guess it started during one of our gradeschool fieldtrip to Philtrade (little did I expect that I am going to be a regular). We were lucky that there was a good furniture exhibit that time and I just fell in love with a huge round rotating thick cushioned rattan chair (which I still hope to find for myself), and I was hooked on all things Philippine Export quality products.
So going to CITEM’s Manila F.A.M.E. is really a pilgrimage for me. I can remember being blown away by the World Trade Center being transformed with drama, installations and even pocket gardens set-up by Budji Layug.
This year, it has once again lived up to its ideals. Though the exhibit is a tad smaller and less “packaged” than a few years back, but the participants are just as exciting!
The first of which is The Pina Shop, home of the First in the World Natural Dyed Pina Fashion knitwear!
As with true eco fashion, multi-purposing is a must, how about this shawl turned headgear/ accent? How about turning this into your bridal veil? Filipina brides should be proud to wear this to their wedding!
Read more on The Pina Shop: Proudly EcoPinoy Sustainable Fashion…
