Burda'ng Taal Standouts

The recent collection/collaboration of designers for Burda'ng Taal Habing Pinoy was a success in that it put to the forefront of fashion the dying art of embroidery in the province of Batangas. Although there are other pockets of embroiderers in other parts of Luzon such as Lumban and Bulacan, the Taalenos have tried time and again to salvage the craft by teaching it to their progeny.

Richard Papa's caped creation

No less than Governor Vilma Santos Recto  delivered an opening address via video presentation as she , sadly, could not make it to the event. However, Vice-Governor Marc Leviste was on hand to welcome the guests and present the participating designers with a balisong (fan knife) for which the province is also known for. Michael Carandang, Emy-award winning producer of America's Next Top model and Batangueno, hosted the event.

Governor of Batangas Vilma Sanots Recto

I'm amazed at the turn-out for the show. Somewhere else in the SMX was the Comic Convention where a lot of the attendees were in Cosplay costumes. You'd think the younger audience would be in the lower floor for that. But, no, fashion is alive and well in the country. No doubt about that!

Bergamo's fashion-forward Barong collection

Some designers' works were, at least in my opinion, exactly in line with the show's concept. Bergamo's extensive Barong Tagalogs pushed the envelope by pairing the exquisitely embroidered tops with jhodpurs and harem pants. Some models had their sleeves rolled up. Anthony Nocom, on the other hand, stuck to wearing it the formal, conservative way which was fine by me. Simple, elegant... no fuss!

Anthony Nocom's no fuss pieces

JC Buendia's black and white pieces stretches the concept of day to night dressing pairing off classic tops with shorts. No wonder he's a favorite of dressing up Philippine politicos for their state visits. Very stately and clean, his work elicited applause.

JC Buendia's classic number

Randy Ortiz added a dash of color in muted tones of turquoise and lavander. His mermaid gown had a Tudoresque slant to it but oddly, it works well with the material. 

Randy Ortiz' serpentina gown

Oskar Peralta had monochromatic gowns with heavy detailing. His pieces hark back to the 80's reminiscent of Ernest Santiago's Valera-award winning printed Maria Claras. But he infuses it with his own stamp of individuality with uneven cuts and an opera coat for his other gown. 

Oskar Peralta's monochromatic pieces

All in all the show was a success. Even the concept pieces presented were wearable (if one had the chutzpah) such as creations by Lito Perez, Fanny Serrano and Edgar San Diego. While some were almost architectural in construction like the pieces made by Roland Lirio, Richard Papa and Ole Morabe. With a range like that, the art of embroidery should last a few more centuries... that's if we continue to demand the use of hand-made, hand-woven products maybe not just from Taal but from other localities as well.