fashion show

SM LANANG Atrium transformed into a thriving hub of female ingenuity and entrepreneurship as the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair officially opened its doors today, March 12.

A landmark collaboration of the Department of Trade and Industry Region XI and Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH), the three-day event marks the first time the expo is held in Mindanao.

The opening ceremony was headlined by key women leaders who emphasized the importance of visibility for female-led MSMEs.

*WomenBizPH chair Rhoda Castro-Caliwara*

“It took time and effort to bring this trade fair here in Mindanao, but we, in the Women’s Business Council Philippines, firmly believe that when women support women, great things happen,” shared Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, chairperson of WomenBizPH.

*Mary Ann Montemayor of WomenBizPH addresses the audience*

This sentiment of solidarity was echoed by Mary Ann Montemayor, focal point person of WomenBizPH, who noted that the event is “more than just a marketplace. It is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and it showcases the collective strength of the Filipina entrepreneurs.”

Government support remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with DTI XI director Romeo L. Castanaga reaffirming the agency’s dedication to the sector.

*DTI XI regional director Romeo L. Castanaga*

“We remain committed to supporting programs that expand market access, build enterprise capacity, and prepare our MSMEs, especially women-led enterprises, to compete with confidence,” he said in his address.

The program’s launch was further elevated by a stunning fashion show from the House of Musa, a social enterprise/fashion brand that focuses on empowering women and marginalized communities through the production of musa (banana fiber).

The trade fair also serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing through a series of Fireside Chats, led by Irene Boey Lin Fong, chairperson of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) Singapore, which aims to provide local business owners with a global perspective on growth and innovation.

*AWEN Singapore chair Irene Boey Lin Fong*

The ceremony was also attended by Consul General of Malaysia Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consul Mohammad Ikhwan Ariff Muhammad Yusoff, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing Russell Alaba, WomenBizPH Chair Rosemary Rafael, WomenBizPH Chair trustee Mylene Abiva, former City Councilor Pilar Braga, and delegates from Indonesia and Laos.

AT THE Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo on June 18 at SMX Convention Center Davao, designer Nurainie Ampatuan unveiled her Hilyah Luxe Wear Collection under her Hilyah Signorina brand, blending modesty with modern elegance. Describing it as “a movement that blends timeless cultural beauty with sophisticated design,” Ampatuan showcased flowing fabrics, bold textures, and orchid-inspired embellishments that celebrated heritage and innovation.

DCCCI president Roland Suico is flanked by DHS officers Patmei Ruivivar and Amalia Bandiola

Men’s collection as modelled by this write, DTI regional director Romeo Castañaga and OCA head Oscar Casaysay.

“This collection elevates modest fashion into luxury, merging cultural identity, artisanal craftsmanship, and contemporary flair,” the Maguindanaon designer shared.

Flowing fabrics, bold textures, and floral-inspired embellishment adorn Ampatuan’s latest collection

The runway featured public figures, including Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Valderrosa Abubakar and Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, and PHTTE founder Marilou Ampuan, alongside Davao Historical Society’s Amalia Bandiola and Patmei Ruviviar, and Joji Ilagan School’s Heart Celo, modeling the women’s collection. The men’s line was showcased by Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Romeo Castañaga, Davao City Office of the Culture and the Arts head Oscar Casaysay, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Roland Suico, Joji Ilagan School’s Yvonne Tomas, and this writer, each strutting with confidence.

The collection reimagined the Baju Melayu silhouette using vibrant Inaul fabric, a handwoven Maguindanaon textile known for its vivid colors and intricate patterns, once reserved for nobility. Tailored into suits with standing collars and flowing cuts, it merged tradition with modern style. “It’s a seamless blend of cultural pride and contemporary style,” Ampatuan noted.

The women’s designs transformed Inaul’s rich textures into luxurious, resilient statements, while the men’s Barong Tagalog, with Moro-Filipino embroidery, honored Filipino heritage.

Launched in 2019, Hilyah Signorina reflects Ampatuan’s shift to cotton yarns, emphasizing Inaul’s cultural significance. “I’m driven by the stories our local fabrics tell about our community,” she said. “As a Maguindanaon Filipino woman, I feel a responsibility to bring Inaul to the global stage.

With Hilyah Luxe Wear, Ampatuan doesn’t just design clothes—she weaves a narrative of cultural pride, craftsmanship, and fearless innovation, redefining modest fashion for the world.

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Women-led MSMEs takes centerstage at trade fair

WANDERLUST | Vibrant Fusion of Heritage and Contemporary Fashion