Three of the 29 Miss Universe 2017 candidates bagged Special Sponsor Awards during the Mindanao Tapestry event at SMX Convention Center SM Lanang Premiere Davao City on Friday.
Venezuela’s Mariam Habach was selected Miss Phoenix Elegant while Philippines’ Maxine Medina was hailed Miss Hiyas ng Phoenix. Indonesia’s Kezia Warouw received the Miss Phoenix Smile award.
The ancillary event highlighted the tapestry of the six regions of Mindanao: Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga and ARMM.
The 29 ladies sported “6 looks” particularly the T’boli weaves, indigenous cross-stitches, Yakan weaves, tribal weaves of Bukidnon, Royal Garb of Mandaya tribe, and the Inaul ball gowns.
The event also promoted the region’s local designers. Part of the main event were ten members of Davao Fashion and Design Council Inc. (DFDCI) namely Alfonso Boy Guinoo (honorary member), Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Egay Ayag, Benjie Panizales, and Edgar Buyan. The other three designers in the list of 10 are Wilson Limon, Silverio Anglacer, and Kenny Ladaga.
Meanwhile, the foyer event featured local models who were dressed by designers picked from the six regions of Mindanao. They are Ronnie Nacua, Richie Delos Santos, Toffy Ledesma, Nicky de Asis, Steffy Dacalos, Windel Mira, Grand Crizzel Ravacio, Joey Hambala, Chard Pulate, Bamba Limon, Gil Macaibay, Mark Yaranon, Pepe Quitco, and John Bonniedick Adaza.
In an interview, event director and fashion designer Renee Salud expressed his gratitude for the show’s success. Renee also added that it is a dream come true for him to see his collection on a global stage.
Initially, the event was faced with controversies as Davao Fashion and Design Council Inc. expressed disappointment over their rejection by the organizers. However, a few days later it was announced that the event would still push through.
Finally Salud expressed his support to Philippine bet Maxine Medina.
