A spotlight on Argao’s hablon

CEBU, Philippines — With the Binibining Cebu competition in full swing, pre-pageant events have been lined up to further look into the ladies’ potential and performance before crowning the first ever ultimate Cebuana ambassadress.

One of these events is the much awaited Philippine Terno competition set to take place at the Cabicera de Argao (said to be the only intact Cabicera or town center in Region 7) this Saturday, September 23, with Argao’s Hall of Justice as backdrop.

The event will be in the vicinity of Argao’s cultural foundations like the Ganghaan sa Hari, Capella Mortuario, Unity Plaza and the Saint Michael Church.

This fashion spectacle, which also aligns with the municipality’s 10-day annual fiesta celebration in honor of San Miguel Arkanghel, will feature handwoven apparels of Argao’s famous hablon.

Aside from showing off their elegance in the Philippine Terno Competition, the 54 stunning candidates highlighting the municipalities and cities in the province of Cebu will sashay down the runway for Pasarela De Hablon De Cebu, sporting accessories and items made of hablon.

The garments are designed by Dexter Alazas, who began advocating for Argao’s dying weaving industry three years ago.

Notably, Mayor Stanley Caminero of Argao had immediately offered his municipality as a pre-pageant venue – no questions asked – when the Bb. Sugbu Charity Foundation launched the pageant last April.

“The first thing that went through my mind was the fact that having the Philippine Terno Competition in Argao is the perfect opportunity for us to put the hablon in the spotlight. We want it to thrive from its dying industry status, so no hesitation,” said Caminero during a recent press conference at Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale’s office.

 As Alazas puts it, it’s high time that major foundations recognize the potential of homegrown crafts like the hablon.

The Binibining Cebu 2017 candidates are set to showcase their runway skills and display their elegance in handmade ternos fashioned from the municipality of Argao’s famous hablon. YASUNARI RAMON TAGUCHI

Alazas noted that hablon de Cebu is at its peak, gathering the attention not only of local artisans, but also of those hailing from abroad.

“As its fashion advocate, I’m taking part of the hablon’s revival from its dying artisanal craft scene. It’s high time that a big local pageant like Binibining Cebu recognize its potential and support local in all forms, to probably sustain what we call a local fashion industry,” said Alazas.

Not only will the Binibining Cebu candidates uphold the hablon to a higher level, but the Argaoanons themselves are taking part in the celebration through the Dalagang Argaoanon participants.

Alazas’ AMANO Craft Creation is an advocacy line before anything else, aimed to reach out to both local and global markets.

“It is my own way of adhering to a corporate social responsibility not just as a designer but as a Cebuano,” Alazas said, adding that the goal is to also make all things as organic and indigenous as possible, done by Bisaya hands.

“What good is a local industry if it does not use local materials in its design ideas. If we are to support and help the Philippines compete internationally, it is not enough that you are a good Filipino designer using imported materials in your creations.”

Binibining Cebu project chairman Raymond Tio invited everyone to take part in a beauty pageant that doesn’t only stop at the surface, but one that searches for someone with a purpose, the knowledge, dignity, and pride of her homeland.

Other pre-pageant events include the Swimsuit Gala dinner featuring Kymberly Maitland-Smith’s Solti Activewear on September 29 at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu, the Evening Gown Competition which will unfold on October 4 at the Centerstage of SM Seaside City Cebu, and the pre-pageant interview which will commence at the Oakridge Pavilion on October 25.

On the 28th of October, Cebu will crown the first Binibining Cebu at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, with the lucky lady going down in history as the maiden queen of this prestigious tilt.