CEBU, Philippines - There are pageants created for the promotion of environmental conservation, for the pursuit of charity works, for selecting a tourism ambassadress, for advocating press freedom, or heck, just for the fun of holding one.
In Cebu's municipality of Argao, its pageant - called Dalagang Argaoanon - was first mounted three years ago for the sole purpose of promoting what was once a dying trade that produces the hablon, a hand weaving industry that dates back long before the Spaniards invaded our shores.
"Hablon" comes from word "habol," which means to cover oneself with a cloth. The woven product is called "hinablon," but most of the time, "hablon" is used to refer to the finished product.
For decades, hablon weaving was left unattended. With the threat of extinction, the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Argao Campus Extension Program studied the industry.
In 2014, CTU Argao and the Sangguniang Bayan of the LGU Argao, in collaboration with the Provincial Government, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) united in reviving the hablon by repackaging the industry through a modern pageant, with the help of Dexter Alazas, a renowned designer and an advocate of hand-woven products.
"I have always loved the thought of using original fabrics that are proudly made in Cebu," said Alazas, who was inspired to create
AMANO, his retail hablon-made ready-to-wear line of apparel for men and women that also includes shoes, accessories, clutches and home wares.
"It is a conscious collection of sustainability and social entrepreneurship, which I see myself fully immersing into in the future."
Unlike other beauty tilts, Dalagang Argaoanon places strong emphasis on Argao's culture and its people as it promotes modesty or wholesomeness through the clothes the candidates wear in different segments.
In tonight's Dalagang Argaoanon coronation night to be held at the Sec. Cerge M. Remonde Sports and Cultural Center (SCMRSCC), Alazas will be showcasing ball gowns - a first for the pageant.
"This is to emphasize that that our local weaves are already capable of creating 60 width fabrics due to the shared service facility of DTI," Alazas said. "That gave us looms that are 60 width, which is the first time it ever happened since usually, it's only 36-45 width."
There will also be more innovations in terms of color combinations of threads woven into one piece, according to Alazas. The monochromatic effect on the traditional pintados, casual and formal wear will also be a new feature, he said.
The 10 finalists privileged to be outfitted in these hablon creations are Mailyn Lanorias, 20; Chelsea Anne dela Cruz, 20; Hydie Sarcauga, 18; Charisse Faith Villacorte, 19; Delyne Marl Saragena, 19; Hannah Marie Albeos, 18; Mary Margarethe Candor, 18; Crystal Jane Catalan, 17; Jessa Mae Miranda; and Cheska Fatima Abellana, 18.
Yet another difference of Dalagang Argaoanon is that it will be entirely in Bisaya, with little English spoken as much as possible. According to pageant director Jorelyn Concepcion, included in the criteria for the winner is who can come up with the best plan on how to promote the hablon in their own capacities.
Dalagang Argaoanon is one of the highlights of Argao's annual fiesta celebration which began September 19 and will end on September 29. Also happening at the SCMRSCC is the Basketball with the Stars, to be held tomorrow, 8 p.m.-12 midnight and which will be graced by the following celebrities: Mark Herras, Rocco Nacino, Wyn Wyn Marquez, Matt Evans, Joseph Bitangcol, Marco Gumabao, Luis Alandy, JC Tiuseco, Joko Diaz, Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, Jr. and his son MVJ Velasco.— VAB (FREEMAN)