BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
Neric Beltran, Anthony Ramirez, Val Taguba, Jhobes Estrella and Mark Rancy paid tribute to a sprawling city and its equally iconic shopping district at Rampa Manila 2.
Who hasn’t been to — or at least heard of — Divisoria? Well, the land of bargains recently inspired these talented fashion designers, who flaunted their Manila- and Divisoria-inspired collections during the second Rampa Manila held at the Bulwagang Rodriguez at Manila City Hall.
In her opening remarks, Manila Mayor Sheila “Honey” Lacuna underscored key areas of Manila, which are known as hubs for fashion sourcing. “Ngayong gabi ay bibigyang halaga natin ang sigla ng industriya ng fashion at ang mga katuwang na negosyo na sakop nito. Lahat ng mga nasa industriya ng pagdidesenyo at pananahi ng mga damit ay tiyak na suki ng mga tindahan ng mga tela sa Tabora sa Divisoria, maging sa Central Market at sa Evangelista sa Quiapo,” Lacuna said.
Fab Five
The five featured designers all sang praises for the City of Manila, which, in one way or the other, played an integral part in launching their respective careers. As such, their love for the city was palpable in the flurry of custom-made suits, gowns and ensembles that they all sent down the runway.
Val Taguba started the main show with a glittering affair that consisted of intricately beaded gowns that had magic written all over them. Miss Cosmo Philippines Ahtisa Manalo certainly wowed the audience when she took on the catwalk in an ethereal golden number, with matching gold jewelry and body paint.
In contrast, Jhobes Estrella’s Filipiniana and barong collection not only showcased his expertise in crafting cultural wear, but also his deft hand at at reining in his ideas. His barong and terno, while intricate upon closer inspection, also stood out for their clean, understated silhouettes.
Mark Rancy’s muted soft pink-and-white collection, on the other hand, carried with them a pristine aura that Divisoria isn’t exactly known for. However, each piece’s more adventurous elements — giant bows, peplum and man skirts, anyone? — embodied the grit and unexpectedness of both Divisoria and Manila.
Anthony Ramirez’s collection revolved around the ‘inabel,’ a locally woven fabric from Ilocos. Ramirez transformed the fabric into high-fashion pieces worn by an all-female ensemble, including Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Celeste wore a breathtaking white inabel gown and a suit overtop that draped over an elegant slit dress.
Last but certainly not the least, Neric Beltran paid homage to his previous career as a florist sourcing from Manila’s flower hub, Dangwa. His ‘Dangwa’ collection presented floral-themed pieces. As models walked the runway to classical music, a man took center stage to arrange purple flowers on white fabric. At the end of his segment, the flourist donned the finished fabric on the final model, dramatically revealing an intricate floral puff sleeve that complemented her white fringe gown.
The future is bright
Earlier in the evening, young designers Morissette Magalona, Joanna Santos and Dhenyze Guevara also took on the circular catwalk for the “Future of Filipino Fashion” segment.
The event concluded with a ceremony awarding keys to the city. Led by Mayor Lacuna, Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila head Charlie Dungo, renowned designers Taguba, Estrella, Rancy, Beltran and Ramirez were recognized for their contributions to Filipino fashion.
Also spotted on frontrow were distinguished guests who also showed support for Rampa Manila, such as comedian Angkas president and CEO George Royeca, Vice Ganda, actress Agot Isidro, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga, Justice Undersecretary Atty. Marge Gutierrez and Manila Third District Representative Atty. Joel Chua.
