Manila City puts a spotlight on Filipino design talent through ‘Rampa Manila’ fashion show

Renowned fashion designers Michael Leyva, Puey Quiñones, Jo Rubio, Marlon Tuazon, and Albert Andrada present their latest works at the city’s first-ever major fashion event.


“Rampa” is one of the many Filipino terms that bring an immediate smile to a face once it enters a conversation. It equates to sashay or walking with a proud gait. It has a sense of arrival—an element of style. All of those were present during the City of Manila’s first major fashion event aptly titled “Rampa Manila.” 

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From left: Puey Quiñones, Marlon Tuazon, Manila City Tourism head Charlie Dungo, Manila City vice mayor Yul Servo, Vice Ganda, Manila City mayor Honey Lacuna- Pangan, Albert Andrada, Jo Rubio, and Michael Leyva

In celebration of the 452nd celebration of Manila Day, Manila City mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan worked with renowned fashion designers Albert Andrada, Michael Leyva, Marlon Tuazon, Puey Quiñones, and Jo Rubio to make “Rampa Manila” come to life. It aimed to bring “back the glory of fashion” to the city, champion local fashion creatives, and celebrate its legacy as the source of design materials and as the former home of some of Philippine fashion’s pillars. The event also served as the first runway show to be held at Bulwagang Rodriguez of the Manila City Hall.

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From left: Young designers Corven Uy, John Jade Montecalvo, and Gabriel Buenabajo

On June 20, Bulwagang Rodriguez was dressed in white fabrics complementing the vintage beauty of its gold accents and crystal chandeliers. The show began with the streetwear collection of motorcycle-hailing platform Angkas, featuring its co-founder and CEO George Royeca on the runway. Following it were emerging designers John Jade Montecalvo, Gabriel Buenabajo, and Corven Uy with their collections inspired by rug weaving, metal sculpting, and public display of affection, respectively.

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Pieces from Michael Leyva's collection

For his “Rampa Manila” showcase, Michael Leyva was inspired by the works of National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera. The result was an all-white collection highlighting classic silhouettes and intricate embellishments. Setting the mood of his show was a white lace terno gown styled with a salakot hat. His bridal look, a terno ball gown with a feathered skirt, took everyone’s breath away. While showcasing one of his barong tagalog designs was former Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso.

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Pieces from Puey Quiñones' collection

Bows and frills dominated Puey Quiñones’ collection. His dreamy black-and-white parade spotlighted his penchant for bold and sculptural silhouettes. Among our favorite looks were his glimmering terno gown with a paper bag skirt finished with an elegant bow and his angelic baby doll terno ball gown hemmed with a row of frill. 

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Pieces from Jo Rubio's collection

Although he is a self-confessed romanticist, Jo Rubio is not afraid to push the boundaries little when it comes to his Filipiniana creations. That’s what he did with his collection for “Rampa Manila.” He presented the classic butterfly sleeves in a moody tone. He played with sheers, used butterfly embellishments to fill in negative space, and explored structure through florals, pleats, and stripes. Ending his presentation was mayor Honey wearing a black lace terno gown with trims that flutter as she walked down the runway.

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Pieces from Marlon Tuazon's collection

Marlon Tuazon brought color to “Rampa Manila” as he paid homage to the glamor of the Sampaguita Pictures era. Ternos in striking neon, vivid orange, and rich purple, among others, graced the runway. They were styled with chunky jewelry pieces and retro square shades making each look eccentric and cool. Witnessing the collection is like having a view of the colorful New York ballroom scene. 

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Pieces from Albert Andrada's collection

Ending the style fest was Albert Andrada. His collection captured the beauty of the Philippines, its opulence and charm. Present on the runway were reimagined Filipino wear imbued with delicate embroidery, pieces adorned with local tapestries, and gowns with appliques and sculptural details—all capturing Albert Andrada’s signature aesthetic. 

“Rampa Manila” ended with mayor Honey and vice mayor Yul Servo awarding the designers with the Keys to the City and honoring them as Adopted Sons of Manila City. Special guest, TV host Vice Ganda, was also recognized for being a leading example for the LGBTQIA+ Community and for being an embodiment of a Manileño icon in Philippine show business.

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