The Season Of Hope

I have beautiful memories of Intramuros, I remember the first time I walked its cobbled streets on a field trip in Grade School. My college best friend got married in San Agustin Church wearing my first Maria Clara design. Always, I am transported back in time when Manilenos were dressed in white suits and Panama hats. They say Manila was much cooler then, the breeze of Manila bay wafting inland up to Marikina.

When I learned that Gawad Kalinga was taking charge of building homes for the walled city's informal settlers, I was more than willing to do my share in helping raise awareness in restoring Intramuros to its full glory. The Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) which I currently head will be presenting a fashion show at the GK Hope Ball on November 9th. Gawad Kalinga Champions will be modeling modern Filipiniana creations by the council members, a chunk of the cost of their gowns and barongs will go to the housing fund.

On the same night, there will be an auction to raise more funds for Kalinga Intramuros, some of the items for bid are Bencab's Soldier and Activist pencil drawings, an Anita Magsaysay-Ho tapestry, Abdulmari Imao's Sarimanok, Arturo Luz's Juggler, and a Toby Guggenheimer - Ed Yrazabal chair. A truly 'feel good' event to start the most beautiful season of all.

San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila

The GK Hope Ball press launch was held at Barbaras.

Barbaras' 18th Century charm

Meluchi Rivera

Hope Ball 2012 chair Pinky Antonio, and Rose Cabrera

Miss Philippines Water 2012, Samantha Purvor

Bryan McClelland

Bamboo bow tie by Bryan McClelland, made by GK communities.

With fellow designers Randy Ortiz and Tonichi Nocom

Caring for the past, sharing for the future.

To purchase tickets, please contact Cat Turingan +63917 891 7109 / +632 215 9152 / gkhopeball@gk1world.com

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