PCGNY.net | News Release

FDAP COUTURIERS PRESENT PHILIPPINE-INSPIRED FASHION IN NEW YORK

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE - NEWS RELEASE
15 June 2006

FDAP Couturiers (L-R): Raoul Ramirez, John Abul, Roland Lirio, Edgar San Diego, Gener Gozum, Arielle Agasang, Edgar Madamba, Delby Bragais, Tony Cjucom, Richard Papa and Jontie Martinez at their exhibit opening, book launching and fashion show in New York on June 7

Consul General Rebong welcomes guests at the lobby

Window Display at the Philippine Center

Ternos designed by Jontie Martinez & Roland Lirio

Terno designed by Gener Gozum

NEW YORK --- The "Habi Filipina" exhibit of indigenous Philippine fabrics, as designed by ingenious Filipino couturiers opened with a spectacular fashion show last June 7th on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. Over 200 guests who came to the Philippine Center were wowed by the extravagant yet intricate designs of 11 fine couturiers from the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP). After a cocktail reception at the exhibit gallery where modern variations of the Philippine baro’t saya and terno were displayed, the guests were treated to a full hour of traditional and modern fashions, inspired by various regions in the Philippines.

The featured designers, invited by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, were Edgar San Diego (FDAP President), Richard Papa, Edgar Madamba, Gener Gozum, Tony Cajucom, Delby Bragais, Roland Lirio, Arielle Agasang, John Abul, Jontie Martinez and Raoul Ramirez. Models came from the A.L. Models agency of Jorge Ballos, the Maharlika models of Danny Pagsambugan and the Filipino community in New York.

"We're happy to bring to New York the fine creations of our brilliant Filipino designers!" Consul General Cecilia Rebong said.

Amongst the guests who took in the creations were the Consuls General of Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Cyprus, Lebanon, South Africa, and Barbados. The evening's special guests were Ms. Terry Jackson, Director of International Business, Office of Foreign Missions, and Mrs. Gretchen del Rosario, the stunning wife of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Albert F. Del Rosario. Guests included members of the business, travel and fashion media industries including Mr. David Gaskey of Women's Wear Daily. Also present were leaders of the Filipino community in New York and socialite and philanthropist Zelda Kaplan as well as Tina Maristela Ocampo and Rico Ocampo. The fashion show was directed by Erno Hormillosa and coordinated by community leader Cora Reyes.

FDAP President Edgar San Diego said, “It made us proud to celebrate FDAP’s 25th anniversary through this special presentation and at the same time share this heritage to international audiences in New York and New Jersey.”

An audience member, Hermie Garcia, exclaimed, "It was the best Filipino event I've ever seen! I was really impressed. The preparation was apparent and well worth it!"

The fashion book "Sagala: The Queen of Philippine Festivals" was also launched at the reception.

Habi Filipina was made possible in partnership with RCP Foundation, and the support of Seven Seven Softwares, Citibank, Western Union, Metrobank, Grill 21, Juno Healthcare, ePLDT Ventus, PLDT, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Bona Tierra Realty, Kim Ponio, Ed Sunico, John Ynayan and Herbert Magtoto.

The show and exhibit were the Philippine Consulate General in New York’s reception and program to commemorate Philippine Independence Day. It also remembered the 100th year of Filipino immigration to the United States. Apart from the Consulate General’s annual program in June, the Filipino community in Northeast USA celebrates Philippine Independence through Philippine parades, street fairs, cultural shows and film festivals. For information on FDAP, visit www.fdapsilver.com.