Habing Katutubo Fashion Show 2019: A Runway of Living Indigenous Textiles from North to South

Baguio City — In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the Habing Katutubo Fashion Show 2019 was staged on October 12, 2019, at the PFVR Gymnasium, presenting a culturally grounded runway that honored the living traditions of Philippine Indigenous textiles. Mounted as an initiative of Wilvy Shows Entertainment Production, the event aimed to promote and rediscover Indigenous Peoples’ culture—particularly textile weaving and tapestry—as enduring and contemporary forms of heritage.

The show was overall directed by Maila Alog, with runway direction by Kelvin Vicente. Professional photography was provided by Paul Sajonas and Volts Gabrillo, documenting the garments, movement, and narratives presented on stage.

Featured Designers and Creative Leadership

Habing Katutubo Fashion Show 2019 was led by key featured designers who shaped its advocacy and creative direction. These included Maila Alog of Carolina’s Dress Shop, Christine Beleo of Semper, Jonaida Bogwana, and Bon Ryan Gonzales. Together, they spearheaded the presentation of Indigenous weaves and tribal wear from across the Philippines, using fashion as a platform to promote local textiles, affirm cultural identity, and highlight ethical collaboration with source communities.

Habing Katutubo: Luzon

The runway opened with Luzon Indigenous Wears, presenting ancestral aesthetics alongside contemporary interpretations across ethnolinguistic groups:

• Itneg / Tinggian – Abra (Primitive) — Roxanne Joyce Tombali & Gabriel Dator

• Itneg / Tinggian – Abra (Present) — Gwyneth Kaye Sannadan & Mark Angelo De Guzman

• Isnag – Apayao — Roxanne Bastian & Kieffer Pucay

• iKalinga – Kalinga (Primitive) — Kate Kimberly Aglipay & Michael Bryan Caparos

• iKalinga – Kalinga — Rosie Beth Fiesta & Colewin Espada

• Ibaloi – Baguio / Benguet (Primitive) — Genia Peleo & Godwin Manuel

• Ibaloi – Baguio / Benguet — Waren Kigangan II & Heather Caine Cortez

• Kankanaey – Benguet — Azy Dio-as & Glenn Catalino Depao

• Gad’dang – Nueva Vizcaya — Jinky Mae Dumapis & Jaymor Chanao

• Gad’dang – Paracelis, Mountain Province — Let Langkit Balnawe & Alejandro Lee Yodong

• Bontoc – Mountain Province — Alexandria Calpasi & Sean Edel Gamonnac

• Sagada – Mountain Province — Leina Camille Ahuday & Austin Arian Docyogen

• Kalanguya – Tinoc, Ifugao — Anley Jayne Bauding & Dexter Cawaing

• Hingyon – Ifugao — Brent Vargas & Julie Ann Tultog

• Kiangan – Ifugao — Diane Amsiwon & Manuel Aclopen Jr.

• Mayaoyao – Ifugao — Amber Macasinag Colalong & Kim Adrian Buaquen

• Hanunuo – Mindoro — Leona Dalignoc & Manuel Julian Jr.

  
  

Habing Katutubo: Mindanao

The second segment highlighted Mindanao Tribal Wears, underscoring the richness and diversity of southern Philippine textiles:

• Maguindanaoan (Inaul) — Kamille Calaoa & Basel Akram Abu Lehyeh

• Maranao (Landap) — Cyril Jhan Tip-ac & Anlene Olagan

• Tausug (Pis Yabit) — Roma-Sta. Bermas & Kelvin A. Vicente

• Mandaya (Dagmay) — Jasper Bidos & Micha Naomi Anne Grona

• Tboli (T’nalak) — Aaron Abat and Rizza & Loraine Raymundo

• Blaan (Tabih) — Modecel Betenio & Kenneth Jhayve Bautista

• Yakan — Maria Crystal Quinn Gamonnac & Armani Augustine Floresca

Performances and Cultural Presentation

Complementing the runway were performances by the Police Regional Office Cordillera Cultural Dancers, grounding the program in regional heritage, alongside contemporary dance numbers by Baguio J Krayonz and Bardilleranz, bridging tradition and youth-driven expression.

Sponsors and Collaborators

Support came from TUCUCAN Antique Shop, Carolina’s Dress Shop, Semper Fi Gown Rentals and Party Needs, Jiya Gowns Ethnic and Beyond, 98.7 Z Radio, Three GM Sounds and Lights, Oshare Na Baguio, SunStar Baguio, Fashcon Asia, CrizenRich Salon, Prime D D Inway Style, Ethereal Multimedia, and Arlene Dress Shop.

Collaborations included the Police Regional Office Cordillera, Philippine International Cosmetologists Association – Baguio Chapter, Fashion Association of Baguio Incorporated Youth, and Kabataan Aagapay sa Pagtulong sa Inang Bayan (KASAPI–Baguio).

Cultural Significance

Habing Katutubo Fashion Show 2019 affirmed fashion as cultural education and advocacy. By centering Indigenous textiles from Luzon and Mindanao on an Indigenous-led runway, the event strengthened appreciation for local weaves, advanced ethical representation, and reinforced the understanding of Philippine Indigenous textiles as living heritage—best honored through respect, collaboration, and continuity.