BY GIO TANUDTANUD
MYSTIQUE SIGNATURE and Bright Horizon will host the “Catwalk for a Cause: A Walk for Hope and Inspiration” event to empower indigenous women and support children with learning disabilities at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao this coming March 7.
In a press conference at Courtview Inn on Feb 13, Althea Mae Rivera, CEO of Mystique Signature and founder of Bright Horizon, said the fashion show will help the indigenous women in Mindanao and children with special needs.
The event is hosted by Mystique Signature and Bright Horizon, in collaboration with the Mindanao Peace Council and Parents Mobilization Action Group (PMAG). The event will also have an auction after the fashion show
Rivera said the event aims to help indigenous women by providing them with livelihood, enhancing their skills, and reaching their potential through seminars and training.
“Usually, sa mga indigenous women natin they are discriminated by their looks, by their tribes. So since it’s inclusion ang ating theme, we want to boost their confidence as well,” she said.
There are 10 indigenous women participants from tribes like Badjao, Manobo, and Bagobo, ages 17 to 24, with five women chosen as models. There are roughly 200 children with disabilities and 35 of them, ages 7 to 35, will join the event.
The fashion show will comprise three segments. The first segment will showcase Mystiques Signature’s smart casual outfits. The second segment will highlight local fabrics in Mindanao, and the third will allow children to show their special talents.
Hope Militante Fernandez-Mendoza, president of H.O.P.E. Kababaihan Group and lead convener of Mindanao Peace Council, said children will share their special talents like singing and dancing.
“The primary objective is to raise awareness in the public for these special kids. You know, awareness, acceptance, accommodating them and accepting them as they are kasi we’ll highlight their talents in singing, dancing,” she said.
General admission for the fashion show is P500.
