Some 60 top models and beauty queens in the Philippines took a graceful ramp walk showcasing Filipino artistry during Furne Amato’s fashion show at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday night, June 27.
Called “MUGNA: A Symphony of Filipino Artisans: Presenting the Philippine Traditions to the World”, the event was a collaboration between the Capitol and the Department of Tourism and highlighted the collection of Amato, the Dubai-based Cebuano fashion designer who comes from Barili.
Amato, who began sketching at the age of 10 and inherited his mother’s passion for beautiful garments, is the force behind Amato Couture.
The fashion show was divided into three segments, representing the three islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each was conceptualized to showcase the unique fashion styles and materials from these islands.
Each segment of the show featured 20 models from various Cebu modelling agencies, including Origin Model & Artist Management, Models’ Association of Cebu (MAC), Stacy’s Model Management, Shutter Models & Talent Management, B&B Models Cebu, Admire Models Philippines, and OZAR Models Philippines, as well as Manila-based Empire/Mercator Talent Agency.
The show opened with the Visayas segment, “Kabuntagon: The Pastel Dreams of Visayas,” where models paraded in pastel-hued jackets made from hablon and delicate crochet dresses. This segment’s highlight was the closing walk by Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe Philippines 2019.
Following this was the Luzon segment, “Kilum-Kilum: The Earthy Elegance of Luzon,” featuring fabrics of piña and piña jusi adorned with intricate Luzon embroidery and pearls. This segment’s highlight was the closing walk by Kirsten Dawn Delerio, Miss Fitness Supermodel World 2024.
The third segment, “Kagabhion: The Vibrant Mystique of Mindanao,” showcased the vibrant signature colours of the T’boli, the indigenous people of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Models adorned in black and red walked the runway, culminating in a powerful finale by Christi Mcgarry, Miss Universe Philippines—Taguig 2024.
The fashion show also featured other top models, including Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 Daina Nelson; Miss Universe Cebu 2024 Kris Tiffany Janson; Miss Cebu 2022 Gabbi Carballo; Queen Universe 2011 Bee Urgello; Miss International Queen 2016 Stacy Biano; and Mr. Pilipinas Global 2023 John Tanting.
This fashion extravaganza was one of the highlight events on the sidelines of Cebu’s hosting of the 36th UN Tourism Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia.
It gathered over 500 foreign delegates from 43 UNTO member countries, led by UNTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco and Gov. Gwen Garcia gave Amato bouquet of flowers as appreciation for his unparalleled craft. | Marie Therese Pacaña, CNU Intern