Gala of Weaves

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017

Fashion is always my first love, and through the years I’ve developed and discovered my personal style. I enjoyed watching runway shows, and eventually experienced being one of the FROWs (short for front-row) guests of runway shows in the country.

Few weeks ago, I was privileged to get invited to attend the first-ever Gala of Weaves, as part of the programme in the recent 66th Manila FAME show. It was a night marvelous experience! Meeting my new friends in the industry, while we enjoy the newest designs of the fresh creatives from the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao by Filipino fashion designers Dexter Alazas, Wilson Limon, and others.

Watch the video here:




For my judgment, I find that this is one of the refreshing runway shows I’ve attended. Though it was humbly organized, it showcased new talents and creative fresh designs inspired by the rich and diverse culture of the Filipinos. Each fabric is well-crafted by the hardworking local artisans of the country, which takes months to finished. You could see how wearable each pieces are, and could easily mix-and-match to your current outfits.

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017

Truly, the show was spectacular with many cultural dances and performances that I never get tired of watching and always make me awe.

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017

During that night, I also got an honored to be one of the prestigious person to award the very first Editor’s Choice Award for our chosen enterprise that we will pledge to support. I am proudly chose the Liza’s Palm Strip Baskets from Agusan Del Sur, as I am truly believe to their advocacy, amazing craftsmanship, and also my personal goal to help them to motivate and to grow, and be one of the best artisans in the country and globally.

Indeed, it is a challenge and I am excited that we can come up very soon! They deserve it. I will share more stories of them in my separate blog post. :D

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017

And of course, we never missed our most VIP, the Queen of Filipino Arts, the one and only centenarian tattoo artists, Apo Wang-Od.

Dressed in her traditional formal wear, all hand-weaved and for what I heard, paired with her precious accessories, she was ushered to the front-row by her top securities so she can enjoy the prestigious show, which was also prepared for her.

She is one of the marvelous women I’ve seen. Yes she is 100-years old and still doing her traditional hand-tapped tattooing in her humbly home in Buscalan Province, north of Luzon.

I will share many stories about her on my separate post, and how much I admire this lady.

During the Gala, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions (CITEM) the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the newest 2017 Call to Action to Strengthen the Union of Export Trade and Cultural Tourism.

This historical initiative will solidify the integration of export trade, cultural tourism, and media as a foundation to build a stronger and more creative "Philippines-first" mind-set agenda in the global platform.

I strongly support this initiative as it will bring us Filipinos more economic and tourism opportunity to help enhanced and developed our way of living.

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017
And of course, we will never forget to have this photo opp with my bestie Lexa, also a budding artist.


I decided to wear this dress which I’ve made by hand, paired with my tasseled earrings that I’ve personally designed, and buri purse which I’ve got from last year’s fair (made from Bohol).

Yeah I know right?! I realized I looked too festive for the occasion!

Hahahaha

I thought this is a perfect dress celebrating the rich colours and cultures of the Philippines

Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017
And a groufie with my new friend Noah. He’s also part of the pioneer breed for prestigious individual who gave the Editor’s Choice Award.


It was a fun night for us three!


Gala of Weaves by Manila FAME 2017
Here inside our media lounge together with our Media Coordinator, Mama Luz.


Thank you for having us, and we had a blast and more excited to promote our country’s locally made products including the tourism.

Shoutout for AirAsia for helping our team for the logistics and transportations of our stakeholders.


Maybe we can do business soon? Let me know!

My huge thank you for CITEM for making me part of your team, and CONGRATULATIONS for this huge success of this season’s 66th Manila FAME and CREATE Philippines.


Let’s pump our energy for the next season!


xoxo, Blair


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68 comments :

  1. Wow! Nice show, look very well organized and You look very stunning and elegant in that dress.

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    1. Thank you dear! It was a fun event and yeah enjoyed my dress as well.

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  2. Congratulation!!! You look beautiful on stage with your elegant dress... I love your style!!

    Racheal_Foodilifecious

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    1. Thank you Racheal! I think I will continue to have this colorful look which suits much of my personality :D

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  3. What a fun event and your dress - HOT DAMN, EPIC! I could never pull something like that off, you TOTALLY DO though!!

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    1. Hahaha thank you Gigi! At first I was worried that I will look like a cake, but hell yeah the theme is about weaving, and weave fabrics are colorful, so I go for it!

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  4. Very glam event there, Blair, and you were definitely dressed for the occasion. Attending as media, I am envious of the access you gained over the three days.

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    1. Thank you Emily!
      Yeah it wasn't easy, because you have to stay focused on work at the same time socialize with the stakeholders. What I mean is, you have to exercise being flexible and maximizing your time.

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  5. That dress was perfect for the event. You did an awesome job of making this dress.

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  6. Wow impressiv! You made that dress yourself! You look amazing! I think that everybody should dare to wear more beautiful things...me also!

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    1. hahaha thanks Dada. I think this is the most glam dressed I've worn recently.

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  7. Okay, YOUR DRESS is nothing less than FANTASTIC. You did a fabulous job on it! Looks like it was perfect for the event!

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    1. Thank you Kristen! Sometimes bein overly dressed for the occasion is good :D

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  8. That dress is so pretty! It doesn't look jester-y at all and the color combo is perfect!

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    1. Thank you Karyn! I was actually listing for an actual weave fabrics, but I know it will be tough for me to wear them coz it tends to be heavier.

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  9. Looks a great event. The colours of the fabrics are gorgeous. Love the outfit too!

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  10. What a fun & festive look! So bold, bright & beautiful!

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  11. I love your dress! So beautiful and suits the event! And the pumps! You served them hot babe!

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    1. The shoes? It's a Steve Madden which I've bought from second-hand shop for a dollar!

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  12. I think you look amazing! Love the dress and the pattern it has. Such a cute color combo.

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    1. Thank you Tasheena! Now I feel pressured to maintain my stage look, LOL

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  13. That has to be one of the most unique dresses that I have seen with its 60's graphic diamond print and its 50's midi dress. It is amazing that you get to attend fashion shows and that you even got to see cultural dances as well x

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    1. Thank you Ana! I love this simplicity cut :D And the fabric is vibrant!

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  14. This looks like it was a fantastic Gala to go to. You dress is so pretty. I love all the bold colors.

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  15. Big love to your dress & your pom pom earring. You looks so stunning.

    xx
    Puiyeesss

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  16. Wow how glamorous. I've seen this old lady tattoo artist in viral videos on the Internet.

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  17. That dress is awesome, love the colours and volume on it - looks like so much fun

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    1. Yes it is! I can't wait for the next season's show :D

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  18. not such a thing as too festive honey! You look exactly like the real queen that you are! Absolutely stunning! What a fun event!

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  19. Aw, your dress is so adorable! I absolutely love it.

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  20. First: You looked amazing - you dress is stunning. Second, this seems like such an amazing event. Looks like it was a wonderful night had by all.

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  21. Hey Blair, your outfit looks so amazing! It matches with your earrings too, the event is so happening! And you meet the Queen of Filipino Arts in real life too!

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    1. Yeah it was one of the best events I've attended very memorable :D

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  22. I love the dress you wore for the show. It's gorgeous! I love looking at colourful outfits like this when I'm shopping, but I tend to stick to black, white, and grey as I'd never be able to pull colour off!

    Louise x

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    1. For a certain occasions like this, I think being colorful is okay :D

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  23. Oooo what a fabulous event!! Sounds like everyone had an awesome time!!! And I love your dress. So chic

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  24. You look amazing! This event looks like such a great time!

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  25. Love your dress! Particularly because it’s hand made by yourself! Simply amazing!

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    1. Thank you Natalia! Yeah, now am thinking of creating another one with more bolder prints.

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  26. I love events like these! Your dress was absolutely to die for, and you are gorgeous!

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  27. LOVE your dress! The colors and the pattern are awesome. Looks like you had a great night!

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  28. Amazing event. Looks so fabulous and amazing! Love it!

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  29. That looks like a super fun fashion event!! The colors, sights, lighting is all amazing!

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    1. Hahaha I enjoyed the Gala and watching the show, and discovering new designs.

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  30. Girl, let's talk about that dress. I love it. You looks so elegant and gorgeous.

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  31. I love how bright your dress is! This looks and sounds like it was an awesome event! I would totally go to one of these.

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    1. Yeah it is! I think am enjoying wearing more colorful dresses. I would wear more of this on my next events.

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  32. Your dress was amazing! Congrats on the award!

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    1. Thank you dear! Well the award wasn't for me. It's for the artisans.

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  33. OMG! You're so pretty on that night bae! Hope you enjoy watching the show =)

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  34. Oh wow!! How lucky can one get! I definitely agree that was quite an experience! Fabulous! Love your dress! ��

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    1. Thank you Em-Em!
      I gained additional confidence wearing this colorful dress :D

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  35. OMG! Can you please hang out with my girls?! They are into fashion and I am clueless. What I'm sure I know is you are are fashion icon! ❤️

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    1. Hahaha would love to meet you guys when you visit Manila!

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  36. First, I super love your dress and I wish I can pull off that look too! I can imagine how many good shows and performances there were during the event.

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  37. Wow! I really like your dress, so elegant and stunning.

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