BY ALMAH C. BERNARDINO-BAUTISTA
PHOTOS BY PROF. VICENTE PIJANO III
THE NATIONAL Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Competition was organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute to serve as a platform for students who aspire to be fashion designers. The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) is the premier textile research and development arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Now in its second year, the competition aims to showcase local talent and ingenious designs, merging Philippine tropical fabrics and traditional textiles with contemporary urban styles. There were over a 150 applicants from all over the country, but only 18 finalists made it. Originally, there were only supposed to be 12 finalists but the elimination was so tight, that there were several schools that got the same scores. According to Dr. Julius Leano, Director IV of the PTRI, they were left with no other choice but to declare 18 finalists.
The Philippine Women’s College of Davao is the lone school from Mindanao to make it. The two (2) finalists are scholars in the three-year Fashion Technology Diploma Program of the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Department. Aside from Fashion Technology, PWC-TVET in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offers three-year Diploma Programs for Hotel and Restaurant Technology (HRT), and Travel Management Services technology.
The student-finalists, Matt Bentulan and Angeline Carreon called their five-piece collection Pangaduy. Their wish is that the youth would learn to appreciate more the traditional fabrics that we have in the region. They want to show that by pairing it with Philippine tropical fabrics, we can have a fusion of old and new without disrespecting the sensibilities of different indigenous cultural communities. Matt and Angeline, together with their coach, Ms. Joy Florence Opayla went to Manila to compete during the finals.
They had two days to finish what they had started in Davao when they received the materials from DOST-PTRI head office in Bicutan. The two (2) days were nerve-racking for the team but they still felt a sense of camaraderie with the other students because everybody shared tips on how to make things easier and better for everyone.
The fashion show was held at the PICC Forum Tent at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. welcomed all the participants during the program. The competition’s esteemed panel of judges included Preview’s very own Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente, alongside WYC (Wear Your Culture) founder and creative director Alvin Degamo, BYS Fashion Week founder, creative director, and stylist John Lozano, fashion designers Thian Rodriguez and Nina Amoncio, stylist Ica Villanueva, Stilo Artefino Foundation Co-Founder and President Cedie Lopez-Vargas, public relations consultant Minnie Fransisco-Francia, and DOST-PTRI’s Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.
“Duyan” from Iloilo Science and Technology University rounded out the top three as 2nd Runner-Up and Youth Fave awardee. “Telakpak” from SOFA Design Institute claimed 1st Runner-Up. The grand prize went to “Kayo-d” from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines.
