THE biggest fashion showcase in Mindanao has finally opened with this year's Higalaay Festival, showing off the masterpieces of the talented top designers in the three-day Mindanao Fashion Summit at Centrio Ayala mall event center from August 27 to 29.
"It's our annual partnership with the fashion designers so this is really a tribute also to our fashion designers and that's why we the show is a core event for the Higalaay Festival," Eileen San Juan, head of the City Fiesta Executive Committee, said.
One of the core events of the Higalaay Festival, Mindanao Fashion Summit was launched to highlight the fashion designers in Cagayan de Oro and in different points of Mindanao.
"Our fashion shows have become a landmark for designers and buyers to get together for business, market intelligence and inspiration. Indeed, the shows are now synonymous with national and even international fashion scenes, and Cagayan de Oro is no exception," Joshua Guibone, the vice president of Oro Fashion Designers Guild, said.
"Our first Mindanao Fashion Summit has grown in stature as Cagayan de Oro City has developed into a digital textile and garment center," he added.
Guibone said the fashion designers have become important players and makes a significant contribution in the country's economy.
"Our fashion designers, they are interested in the development of textiles and garment industries because it makes a significant contribution in our economy by giving jobs to all seamstresses, tailors, and so many more," Guibone said.
Aside from Guibone, some of the principal designers in the fashion show include Mindanaoan brand names such as Mark Christopher Yaranon, Gil Macaibay III, Benjie Manuel, Mavy Cooper de Leon Ladlad, Angela Soriano, Ann Semblante, Boogie Musni Rivera, Kiko Domo, Juniel Doring, and Alma Mae Roa.
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa walked the runway during the first day of the Mindanao Fashion Summit and Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray will grace the event on its third day, August 29.
Guests designers from Zambianga, Iligan, Davao, Butuan and Ozamiz are also present in the fashion summit.