22/11/2025
Philippine Fashion Design Competition - Sining ng Ba'ag 2025: A Resounding Success in Puerto Princesa
The Philippine Fashion Design Competition - Sining ng Ba'ag reached its zenith this year, with a spectacular showcase in Puerto Princesa City. Launched in July under the theme "TIPOS DEL PAIS," the competition paid homage to the artistic legacies of Jose Honorato Lozano, Justiniano Asuncion, and Damian Domingo. Designers masterfully interpreted these masters' works across three distinctive categories: Dibujo Acuarelado, Marahuyo, and Tipos del Pais 2026.
From an initial pool of over a hundred design drawings submitted by talented fashion designers and entrepreneurs, twelve exceptional finalists emerged. These individuals were selected through a rigorous preliminary deliberation by a panel of respected figures, including fashion designers Letlet Veloso, Barge Ramos, Edgar San Diego, Francis Calaquian, Jennica Castro, and Tony Cajucom; TV and Film director Jerome Pobocan; fashion designer and master illustrator Loretto Popioco; former beauty queen Liza Berroya; and actress Liza Lorena.
In August, the twelve designers whose ideas stood out most prominently were announced: Joseph Lopez of Mati City, Davao Oriental; Jeremy Yanson of Puerto Princesa City; Red Gonzales of Sto Tomas, Nueva Ecija; Don Pedro Moises of Batangas City; Jan Garcia of Pasig City; Vorge Cunanan of Imus City, Cavite; Kiko Domo of Cagayan de Oro; Irene Subang of Makati City; Cleo Diomampo of Puerto Princesa City; Sofia Jude Palmejar of Koronadal City, South Cotabato; John Jade Montecalvo of Quezon City; and Edel Cabizares Santiago of Malolos City, Bulacan. This year, three outstanding fashion authorities—Barge Ramos, Jhunnard Jordan Cruz, and Steve de Leon—graced the event as jurors.
The City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Subaraw Festival Committee generously provided accommodations and a reception at the Asturias Citystate. The preliminary judging took place on November 6, with 30 delegates of the Subaraw Festival Queen modeling each of the entries. The SM Mall served as the venue for this year's PFDC - Sining ng Ba'ag culmination night. Honorable Mayor Lucilo Bayron delivered the opening remarks before the commencement of the fashion showing.
Each designer finalist presented their most exquisite interpretations within their respective categories. Sofia Jude Palmejar of Koronadal City, South Cotabato, won the Dibujo Acuarelado category inspired by Jose Honorato Lozano; Red Gonzales of Sto Tomas, Nueva Ecija, triumphed in the Marahuyo category inspired by Justiniano Asuncion; and Jan Garcia took home the top prize for Tipos del Pais 2026 inspired by Damian Domingo.
Three special citations were awarded to outstanding artists: Jan Garcia received the SM choice for Best Designer, Edel Santiago of Malolos, Bulacan, was honored with the Fashion Illustration Honor Award, and Irene Subang of Makati City was presented with the Brilliance Award for Ba'ag Fashion Product Innovation for her copper and ba'ag headpiece.
This advocacy is deeply grateful for the support of the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Subaraw Festival Committee, which enabled the promotion of raw materials and talented fashion designers from across the Philippines. A special thank you and congratulations are extended to Subaraw Festival Head Carlos Abogado Jr. and Puerto Princesa City Honorable Mayor Lucilo Bayron for championing this beautiful project that promotes ingenuity within the indigenous.
Kudos are also extended to Assistant and Head Coordinator of all Subaraw Festival events Rhaymond Pascual, the dedicated staff—Colleen, Gia, Cha, and Andeng and Pearl—and Infinite Digital Media, Monica, and my favorite Jay Agot. Congratulations to another favorite show director Mike Tagle of MTProduction, Kim, Marion, Andi, and their team, and PICPA - Puerto Princesa for the tabulation of scores.
Finally, thank you to the 3rd edition alumni of the PFDC—Roman, Card, Fern, Adin, Robert, and Jobel—for their presence and unwavering support.
This is GLENN GARRIDO LOPEZ, PFDC Creative Director and Consultant of the PFDC - SINING NG BA'AG 2025, signing off from this year's most fashionable event in the enchanting Puerto Princesa City.