The SUN HK : Philippine fashion accessories take center stage at AWE

DCG Usudan (in blue) and Mabalot cut the ceremonial ribbon with exhibitors

Trade shows are back as part of the new normal in Hong Kong, and Philippine products are making a strong comeback through the ongoing International Culture, Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition at the AsiaWorld Expo.

While the other stalls in the Hall 3 of the venue were still being set up on Thursday, the Philippine booth featuring outstanding native fashion accessories was already fully decked out, in time for a VIP reception for a select few.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE!

On hand to lead the ceremonial ribbon-cutting was Deputy Consul General Germinia Usudan, who is herself a big supporter of native arts and fashion. With her was Trade Attache Robert Mabalot, who put the show together.

The exhibitors from the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) also took part, led by their president Gina Nebrida Ty, whose own eye-catching creations were on display, including her “agsam necklace,” made of a kind of fern that grows only in Surigao.

Ty's fern necklace was a finalist in the 2021 Design Excellence Awards in New York

Another must-see is what could be one of the costliest ternos ever made. The blue silk creation, adorned all over with intricately-cut mother of pearl beads and must have taken days, if not weeks, to finish, is said to cost Php150,000.

This blue terno with mother-of-pearl inlays costs a whopping P150,000

Mabalot said the exhibit gives the country an opportunity to show the Filipinos’ artistry which many locals may not be aware of.

Having hosted a similar exhibit amid the pandemic last year when a mandatory quarantine made it difficult to get people to come over, he said he was glad that everything is now back to normal.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

This time around, participating Philippine businesses will not only be able to display and sell their products, but would also have a chance to explore new markets and forge deals with people from various places.

Ty also welcomed the chance to promote her group, which she said was formed two years ago amid the hardships wrought by the pandemic.

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She said FAMPh, which gathers both veteran and novice designers, was formed after members realized there were already several organizations representing apparels, but not one for native accessories.

“So we thought it was high time that there was also a proper representation of Philippine accessories,” she said.

Delicate silver and gold jewelry adorned with native stones are also on show

The move has proved very fruitful in the short time the organization has been around, as it now gets support from such government agencies as the Department of Trade and Industries, as well as the Department of Science and Technology, which is collaborating with them on reviving the country’s leather industry.

The exhibit, which also features native arts and crafts from different parts of the world, will officially open on Friday and run until Sunday. The Philippine booth is located at B01 of Hall 3 of the AsiaWorld Expo, which is right in front of the entrance to the hall.

BASAHIN DITO

A fashion show featuring a collection of different fashion accessories and apparels by Philippine designers will be held at the main stage of Hall 3 on July 1 from 4:30 pm to 5:00pm. Complimentary tickets are available at: https://www.hkcultureexpo.com/visitor.