For the first time, an upcoming Filipino fashion designer from Maguindanao will showcase the Tëduray sutra fabric in Philippine pageant.
Dave John Basilio, 29, of Upi, Maguindanao, said this precious fabric will be used for the national costume of Sheenary Tamagos who will represent the Province of Cavite at the Miss Queen of Hearts Philippines 2021 beauty pageant organized by Mitzie Go-Gil.
"I hope this will be the start of a bigger promotion for the fabric. So now I am taking the initiative na makilala ang fabric na ito in the world of fashion," said Basilio, who is also a big fan of beauty contests, during an interview in Quezon City recently.
Basilio said that only three fabrics from Mindanao are being promoted in Philippine fashion. They are T'boli, T'nalak, and Inaul. "Never pa na-promote ang Tëduray sutra fabric sa pageantry. Sana makilala na rin ito."
Prior to Miss Queen of Hearts Philippines 2021 contest, Basilio said that he sought the blessings of the elders in Upi and local government in using the fabric.
"Ginagamit lang kasi itong fabric for special occasions like wedding. That's why ipinaalam ko muna ito sa kanila at pumayag naman sila," he said. "Parang nawawala na sa culture namin ang fabric na ito. Sana balang araw makarating din ito sa abroad."
A graduate of Upi Agrcultural College in Mindanao, Basilio took up home technology with units in education. Aside from being a designer, Basilio is also a make-up artist and a high school teacher at Dr. Bernabe G. dela Fuente National High School.
"Multi-tasking ako these days. After school, mga 5 p.m., focus naman ako sa mga sideline ko like fashion. Minsan, inaabot ako ng mga12 midnight para tapusin ang mga ibang work sa sideline ko," he said. Basilio has also been tapped by national pageant organizer Josephus Canabuan as an official make-up artist in his talent agency.
Basilio recalled how he started designing outfits. "Bata pa lamang ako, mahilig na ako manood ng pageants. But when I reached college, that's the time I pursued fashion." He has won awards in several contests, including best design and best make-up at the Meguyaya Futti 2016 competition.
This hardworking and promising designer has big dreams in fashion. In fact, his Kégal House is now in the process of being registered, and he's hoping to launch it in 2022. "Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito."
Basilio is a big fan of Filipino fashion designers Michael Cinco and Francis Libiran. In the future, he also hopes to dress up beauty queens, including 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.
"Nothing beats hard work and discipline. And I am really hoping that someday, our Tëduray sutra fabric will shine in the international stage," he said.