Cultural Threads: A tapestry of Laguna's fashion, food and crafts | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

TAGUIG CITY — The Laguna Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (MLM) – McKinley Hill, successfully launched a 3-in-1 journey of Likhang Laguna trade fair, fashion show, and fashion exhibit at Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

Tagged as Likhang Laguna with the theme “Cultural Threads: A Tapestry of Laguna’s Fashion, Food and Crafts,” a rich cultural heritage of the province of Laguna shows a vibrant showcase of flavors and artisanal creations. Three (3) major components are highlighted in Likhang Laguna to experience the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Laguna’s priority industries. In the (1) fashion show, incredible pieces made by local artisans and designers from the province of Laguna are showcased in the runway while an (2) extraordinary fashion exhibit gives the audience captivating displays of traditional and contemporary garments, accessories, and handicrafts that beautifully blend history and innovation. To sum up these features, a (3) trade fair of 42 exhibitors provincewide highlights wide array of food and non-food products all made from Laguna including but not limited to food delicacies, wearables, and fashion items.

In the event launched which happened on June 28, 2023, several key personalities showed support and extended congratulations to the tripartite partnership of DTI Laguna, PGL, and MLM.

(In order) Mr Walther Lee, Mall Head of MLM – Venice Grand Canal, welcomed the audience as he recognized “the support and collaborative effort thru this event and [the partners] dedication in promoting local products and driving economic growth is truly commendable.”

OIC Provincial Director Christian Ted Tungohan of DTI Laguna acknowledged the guests and thanked their partners for the successful grand launching of Likhang Laguna.

Hon. Loren Legarda of the Senate of the Philippines conveyed through a recorded video message that Likhang Laguna is one demonstration of the Department’s leadership, commitment, and dedication to support our MSMEs and a testimony of MLM’s generosity to provide our MSMEs with avenue to build brand awareness.

Chief-of-Staff Ana Carolina Sanchez of DTI Office of the Secretary also expressed her sincere appreciation to each and everyone’s passion to embrace opportunities to generate new leads and boost market reach. “This event is a testament of promoting local products, showcasing that creative hands and works of fashion and celebrating the wonderful flavors of Laguna,” she added.

LEDIPO Designate Fatima Eleonor Villaseñor of PGL delivered a message on behalf of Congw. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (2nd District of Laguna) emphasizing strengths of the province in the tourism and economic sectors manifested by culturally rooted artistry of all Lagunense.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Dulce Rebanal on behalf Gov. Ramil Hernandez of the Province of Laguna appreciated the inevitable passion and skills eminent in the

province and that, indeed, there is a tapestry not only of culture but also of history — local tourism, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty.

Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) agreed in her closing remarks that Laguna really has a potential to go global. “Nakita natin na umangat ang lebel ng ating mga micro, small, at medium enterprises sa Laguna.” She also shared news of opportunities that, with the pursuit for continual improvement, our Laguna MSMEs will be able to meet with partners in succeeding events.

Also present in the event launching were Assistant Secretaries Leonila Baluyot and Dominic Tolentino of DTI ROG; OIC Regional Director Marissa Argente, OIC Assistant Regional Director Revelyn Cortez, Laguna OIC Provincial Director Christian Ted Tungohan, Batangas Provincial Director Leila Cabreros, and Rizal OIC Provincial Director Cleotilde Duran from DTI CALABARZON; COO Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom and also the Secretary and Trustee of WomenBizPH; and City Administrator Larry Amante from the City Government of San Pablo.

Aside from messages of support and gratitude, OIC Provincial Director Tungohan and MLM executives led the VIPs and guests to the ribbon cutting and walkthrough to the fashion exhibit at Ponte de Amore followed by the trade fair at GF and 2F Venice Piazza.

One of the main attractions of Likhang Laguna is the fashion show toward the end of the event launch which was participated by the following:

Blesila Lantayona, DTI Undersecretary
Ana Carolina Sanchez, DTI Undersecretary
Leonila Baluyut, DTI Assistant Secretary
Marissa Argente, DTI 4A OIC Regional Director
Cynthia Mamon – Enchanted Kingdom COO
Romeo Race – PCCI 4A
Atty. Rose Coloma – PCCI Laguna
Ginoo at Binibining Laguna Models (Eunice Deza, Janelle Marie Elyse Leyte, Charleine Gonzales, Gwyneth Plaunie Abaño, Mary Sheena Villanueva, John Raizen Cultivo, John Roland Capuz, Clayton Kyle Belan, Emmanuel Ampraphel Alcantara, and Lance Avenido)

They walked the runway wearing and carrying creations of renowned designers Corazon Coligado (Ai-She Footwear), Nephtali Moneda (Jhaz Footwear), Michelle Baldemor (Kath’s Handicrafts), Rodel Delos Reyes (Odel Fine Crafts), Frederick Berches (Berches Barong Avenue), Jaypee Chua, Manuel Marquez, Mark Gilbert Marpuri, Salvador Bañares Bernal, Phillip Son, Mark Pagalanan, Mark Lixcel Lantican, James Cabriole, Chester Allan Sagun, and Joana Solatorio. ♦

Date of Release: 30 June 2023

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