As a nod to the cultural heritage of the Philippines via fashion and indigenous products, the Partnerships for Sustainable Development, Inc. (PSDI), a non-profit organization launches an advocacy program aptly dubbed “Inclusivity in Diversity.”
PSDI, which exists under the federal law of the United States of America, puts forward its mission of bringing global awareness and deep understanding of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations through its various programs and activities.
This year, the organization trained the spotlight on Philippines via a cultural heritage show or an evening of cultural exchange and fashion elegance held at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in the US on October 15.
Carrying the theme “The Philippines: Perla del Mar de Oriente (Pearl of the Orient Seas,” this one-day event featured an exhibit and sale of Filipino indigenous products, a fashion gala, as well as a pageant called The Global Search for the Top Model of the World USA, which aims to find the most fitting ambassador who will help push forward the UN’s SGDs.
The event was a collaboration between the private and public sectors in the US and the Philippines through the Queen of Hearts Foundation headed by Ma. Mitzie Gil.
At the recent press conference held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC, Gil talked about the upcoming event, specifically the exhibit and sale and the “LuzViMinda Cultural Fashion Gala Show,” which will feature three top fashion designers from the Philippines namely Sophia Therese Manimbo, Amir Sali, and Albert Andrada.
“The event is a good opportunity to highlight what the Philippines has to offer and what great talents we have in fashion design, who really champion our products and design,” Gil said.
“This event is not just a cultural show to highlight what our country has to offer. As an aside, it is also a charity event that will benefit three different groups. The proceeds from the ‘creative industry exhibit and sale’ will be for the benefit of ‘Meals On Wheels,’ a charity program of the city government of Jersey City in the US; the ‘Kisame Para sa Bahay ni San Jose,’ which is a donation appeal of Father Elmer Villamor for the repair of St. Joseph the Husband of Maru Church in Cabanatuan City in the Philippines; as well the tree-nurturing and waste management projects of Father Benigno P. Beltran,” she shares.
The exhibit and sale featured an array of Filipino indigenous products ranging from garments, fashion, and luxury jewelry collections, cuisine, souvenirs, and home accessories, among others.
Five of the finest Filipino indigenous fabrics showcased at the cultural fashion show were also available for sale.