Filipino fashion designer Edgar Madamba has passed away

The seasoned designer was known for his signature Balimbing fashion creations

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Apr 12, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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Earlier this week, the local fashion scene remembered the life and works of Edgar Madamba as the seasoned fashion designer sadly passed away on April 9. He was 73.

Edgar Madamba (Photo by Troi Santos)

Born on June 17, 1949, Edgar started his journey as a fashion designer by creating ready-to-wear pieces for his relative’s shop. Soon enough, he was tapped to create custom pieces, design the best fashions for the women of upper society, and make the most breathtaking wedding dresses.

Through a social media post, Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.’s director of cultural affairs Joey Omila shared that Edgar was always “fascinated by the ‘50s and ‘60s,” enabling him to manipulate fabric and create architectural design elements and modern silhouettes.

Apart from championing local textiles and creating beautiful terno pieces, he was best known for his signature Balimbing designs, which were pieces featuring round accordion pleats mimicking the shape of the known tropical fruit.

Throughout his career, Edgar was able to present his design prowess abroad, showcasing his collection in Florida and New York, among others. Even during the pandemic, he continued to design collections, which were shown at the Balay San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte (2021) and at the “Harana sa Rampa” event by the Philippine Heritage Society (2022).

Edgar’s friends and colleagues in the industry expressed their love for the seasoned designer with tributes posted on social media:

Your vision gave us the iconic Balimbing skirt. Your kindness and sweetness are [your] personal trademarks. We’ve done a number of fashion shows together and I am thankful for our friendship. Another pillar of Philippine fashion said his final adieus. Rest in the arms of the Lord, dear Edgar Madamba.—Dong Omaga Diaz, fashion designer.

Your words mean a lot to me. You meant a lot to me. It’s a sad sad day for many of us you’ve touched and inspired. I will miss you, Edgar Madamba. Love you forever.—Nina Corpuz, broadcaster

May your spirit rise as you are reborn to eternal life on this Easter Sunday, Edgar Madamba, and may the Holy Angels bring you to eternal rest in Paradise. We will miss you very much but you will always be a part of our prayers, and you will live forever in our memories.—Barge Ramos, fashion designer

You will be missed forever and always, Edgar! The beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of the great person that you were. Rest in peace up in heaven—Albert Andrada, fashion designer

Rest in power, Edgar Madamba.

‘Likha’ brings together weavers from all over the Philippines under one roof

by John Legaspi, Manila Bulletin

Weaving is an integral part of the Philippines’ culture. Every indigenous group in the country has its own unique weaving heritage that immortalizes its vibrant traditions and stories. These hand-loomed textiles aren’t just testaments to the wonders Filipino hands can make but also to the discipline and respect our ancestors have in preserving our national identity. 

Weavers Gemma Monon, Rey Rose Dillera, and Adelene Monon of Salinta Monon Bagobo Tagabawa Weaving Association

To further bring the country’s weaving heritage closer to many Filipinos, the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched “Likha,” a week-long event bridging traditional textile communities, designers, brands, and manufacturers to communicate, innovate, and co-create a sustainable pathway of Philippine textiles for the local and international market. 

According to Marga Nograles, chief operating officer of TPB, the idea behind “Likha” stemmed from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vow to protect the creative industry in order to preserve the “Filipino brand” during his first State of the Nation Address. 

Traditional Filipino garbs on display at ‘Likha’

“Taking this to heart, we put our weaving tradition and colorful fabrics in the spotlight of our Filipino heritage,” Nograles said during the launch. “Trade, industrialization, globalization, technology, circular economy, and the importance of culture and national development have changed the value and purpose of handloom weaving over time. They transform it into what it is today, an assertion of identity, a means of income, an emerging design trend, and a source of cultural pride.”

For a week, the PICC Forum 2 will be the home of over 57 weavers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as they showcase their handloom textiles and intricate beading works. Guests will have the chance to get a closer look at how Filipino textiles are made, talk with the weavers, purchase their products, and also participate in various seminars and talks. 

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos together with Filipino weavers from all over the country

Present during its launch last Feb. 21 were First Lady of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Frasco, and Rustan Commercial Corporation president Bienvenido Tantoco III.

“It is our hope that this week-long activity will inspire both the weavers and the talented designers to come up with innovative ideas to help the weaving industry,” the First Lady said. “Tayo na at lumikha (Let’s go and create)!”

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“Likha” will be open to the public on Feb. 25, and will run until Feb. 28 at the PICC Forum 2 in Pasay City.

This is what the future of modeling in the Philippines looks like

 Published December 1, 2022, 8:39 AM

by John Legaspi

The Professional Models Association of the Philippines celebrates 35 years of elevating, celebrating, and empowering Filipino models

Gone are the days when fashion models are seen as walking mannequins. They are no longer just muses donning designers’ latest visions. Models are now the face of the shift in today’s fashion industry. From the pages of magazines to ad campaigns online, people can of different sizes, ages, races, and gender can see themselves represented. And It is just right, because, as they say, beauty is not a one size fits all. While this change is definitely a step forward in the global modeling industry, there are more things to be done to help the modeling community thrive, especially in the Philippines. 

Phoemela Baranda, Angelita Agustin, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Rissa Mananquil Trillo, Apples Aberin (Photo courtesy of @metrophotoforbrands)

Since its inception in 1987, the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) has been on a mission to elevate, celebrate, and empower Filipino models here and abroad. As it toasts its 35th anniversary this year, that goal remains the same, perhaps, bigger. Last Nov. 22, the local modeling organization welcomed the country’s fashion crowd to an event celebrating its legacy. It presented its iconic members and new faces all dressed in the stunning couture creations of Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner. But the event wasn’t just a celebration of style, it is also a testament to the organization’s role in taking the local modeling scene to newer heights and in breaking more barriers.

“Run by models for models, we put our all into building a safe space where Filipino models can grow and thrive,” said its newly-elected president of Margarita Gutierrez. “We have never been the type of people to simply stagnate and rest on our laurels. Even though we’ve already reached amazing feats, we are not stopping.” 

Margarita Gutierrez (Photo courtesy of @metrophotoforbrands)

During the event, Margarita laid out her visions for PMAP, the dreams she cannot wait to fulfill with her army of Filipino models. During her leadership, she sees a modeling industry that is inclusive, an industry that is open to all types of models. While it is apparent now in the industry, she thinks that more is to be done to break industry norms and stereotypes.

“Modeling is about feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin,” she said. “I want every single person to be able to open a magazine or watch a fashion show and see someone to whom they can relate. Someone who makes them feel seen.”

The second thing on her agenda is to make it possible for Filipino models to work internationally. For them to be able to walk the runways of the fashion capitals of the world, star in global campaigns, and put the Philippine flag on the international modeling scene. Her plan is to foster collaborations with foreign partners in giving Filipino models the opportunity they truly deserve. 

Lastly, to make Filipino models more than just models. Using herself as an example, Margarita, a model and a public servant, believes that models can also pursue other dreams. She wants to see models also become doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and other roles they have been dreaming of. 

With all these on her to-do list, Margarita, together with her team in the PMAP, paints a future for models where their roles are not limited to just strutting and posing but being as catalysts for change. They deserve it, and as fashion consumers, we deserve it. 

“Gone are the days when models strictly fit a certain stereotype,” Margarita said. “The PMAP now will be our battle cry for a more inclusive, diverse, and compassionate modeling community. Now is the time to unite. Now is the time to evolve—to change.”

Christmas is bigger and brighter in Makati City

by John Legaspi, MB

Ayala Land is set to bring the Yuletide spirit back into the city with its Festival of Lights and other holiday events and attractions

“I can say that Christmas in Makati will be bigger and brighter.” That’s the promise Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati of Ayala Land, gave during the preview of what’s to come for the holiday season in one of Manila’s busiest cities. The real estate firm is happy to announce that, this year, its Festival of Lights and other holiday events will be enjoyed by the Filipino people live after two years in isolation.

(Seated from left) Ayala Land Estates’ Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati, and Chrissy Roa, head of marketing and communications, with (standing from left) Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights
2022 lighting designer; Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati; and Ohm David, Festival of Lights
2022 show director

“It is important for us here in Ayala Land to stay connected to the communities that we serve. This is especially true for Makati, which is our flagship estate,” Aguilar says. “Makati is home to several signature events that have become part of the city’s soul. Events that made the city come alive and brought together members of the community and families from all over the country. Christmas gives us an opportunity to do this in an even bigger way.”

And bigger it is. Its festivities will start with the lighting ceremony of the Christmas decorations on Ayala Avenue on Nov. 3. In line with its sustainability goals, the real estate firm is reusing its past ornaments—parols and capiz lights—to adorn Makati Central Business district. According to Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land’s head of marketing and communications, the decorations will be seen in more parts of Ayala Avenue. In addition, a giant parol installation will be erected in the courtyard of Ayala Triangle Gardens, offering family and friends a perfect spot to snap some photos for the holiday season. 

This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, more parts of Ayala Avenue will be decorated with bright festive ornaments to dazzle the Central Business District

Nothing beats an immersive holiday experience. After successfully bringing its Festival of Lights into the digital world, Ayala Land is ready to welcome Filipinos back to witness its grand lights show live this year at the Ayala Triangle Gardens starting Nov. 10. 

Conceptualized by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, this year’s festival will be a 360-degree experience centering on the theme of “coming together.” Apart from the traditional dancing string lights and magical laser lights, people can also see a gigantic 3D animated video, made in collaboration with Kroma and Acid House. Ayala Land has been producing the Festival of Lights for 14 years, and what makes Festival of Lights 2022 unique is the presence of local indigenous symbols in the show.

“We wanted something to symbolize coming together. So, we gathered many indigenous backgrounds of the Philippines… We have Inabel, Tboli, Mangyan patterns just to keep that sense of tradition, celebration, and something truly Filipino alive,” David says.

“It is not just the light show,” Austero adds. “We are expecting a lot of emotions. Coming from the hiatus caused by the pandemic, some will be emotional seeing these lights live again.” 

The Manila Symphony Orchestra composed an orchestral rendition of the Festival of Lights 2022 medley

Apart from the lights show and 3D animated projections, Christmas in Makati is also set to be filled with good tunes. Three musical medleys with a fresh, new take were composed to accompany the show. The first is an orchestral rendition by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by a TikTok-inspired rendition—a collaboration among composers Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas, and Mikey Amistoso—and finally a chorale rendition by musical composer Jazz Nicolas. The chorale medley features the angelic voices of the Pembo Elementary School children’s choir.

It only gets better in Makati as Christmas day comes closer. From Dec. 2 to 31, Makatizens or not are welcome to experience Ayala Land’s Christmas Market, in partnership with the French Embassy. This holiday fair is inspired by the Marche de Noele Christmas market in Paris, Lille, and Starsboug, and is set to spotlight the best French eats and products as well as Filipino artisanal goods.

Simbang Gabi is one of the prime pillars of Filipino Christmas traditions. To reflect just that, Ayala Land is hosting it at Ayala Triangle Gardens from Dec. 15 to 23, with Philippine Youth Symphonic Band leading the opening of the nine-day series of Masses.

The facade of Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati

Lastly, everyone is welcome to celebrate Christmas in Circuit Makati with Ayala Land’s holiday concerts from Dec. 20 to 22.  The Samsung Performing Arts Theater will be the venue of the Christmas Holiday Concert featuring performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Steps Dance Studio, among many others.