By Pierra Calasanz-Labrador
“I pledge to represent the Filipina today—strong, passionate, empowered, and to recognize Filipinas who took the lead and broke barriers… I pledge to contribute in my own way to the community of women standing beside me, as we recognize the Filipina now…” It was both unusual and inspiring to witness the members of the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs recite this pledge (with feeling!) at the close of the FilipinaZ Fair press con. Now on its fifth year, FilipinaZ is an art, fashion, and jewelry fair that not only not only celebrates Filipina trailblazers, but hopes to give women a voice for social transformation.
If you’re already suffering from fair fatigue, the lovely roster of brands plus this fair’s empowering mission is just the impetus you need to check out FilipinaZ this weekend. Organized by the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, the fair serves as a fundraising effort to help uplift the lives of women and girls in the communities they serve through worthwhile advocacy projects, such as the Empowering Women Scholarship Program (some of their scholars even shared heartwarming testimonials on how the foundation has helped them achieve their dreams). FilipinaZ also serves as a platform to laud local and international creatives and visual artists whose work celebrate the Filipina and fulfill the goal of advancing the status of women.
This year, one of the fair’s main highlights is a special setting on the Philippines’ first National Artist for Fashion, Ramon Valera. In collaboration with the Valera family, the fashion vignette will showcase Valera’s iconic ternos that capture the formidable elegance of the Filipina, as well as new pieces by his family inspired by Valera’s work, made by the same burdaderas and beaders who have remained with the family. This will also officially mark the relaunch of the House of Valera brand.
Discover lovely mid- to high-end pieces from over 60 exhibitors from the art, fashion, and jewelry industries, plus a FilipinaZ gift shop featuring lovely home and beauty products. Shop, support local talent, interact with designers and artists, help empower women, and be proud FilipinaZ.
FilipinaZ Fair starts today Nov 9 till Nov 11 at 8 Rockwell 21/f, Rockwell Center, Makati City. For more info, follow @iamfilipinaz on Instagram.
Necklace by Arnel Papa, Bomberong and dress by Jor-El Espina, sorbetero cart wicker bag by Zarah Juan, slides by Jhaz Footwear
Sari Lazaro’s dreamy pre-holiday collection and signature braided pieces will debut exclusively at FilipinaZ
Label Manila’s holiday collection features fun prints, vintage design details, and their signature effortless silhouettes
One of the main highlights of the fair is a vignette of Ramon Valera’s iconic creations, alongside new designs by his family inspired by his work, such as this beaded piece, marking the relaunch of the House of Valera