The importance of being Ernest Santiago

Sitting as a judge at the Philippine Fashion Design Competition is fun. Specially if you’re seated beside Ernest Santiago, the venerable and vivacious fashion great. If the Manila fashion scene has been very tame the past decade, it’s because Ernest has left it for greener pastures – quite literally.

From the noisy Coco Banana kingdom in Malate, Ernest has found his universe in a patch of greenery outside Metro Manila where he continues to create excitement.

"Hay, the Manila fashion scene looks boring these days. No more gimmicks and drama. Look at the designers today, walang character. All plain Janes," the white-haired Ernest – older, wiser but still young at heart – exclaims.

"Today’s young designers often have no sense of proportion. They have to learn to create a total impact on stage," he adds.

But he gets excited as the creations of Ignacio Loyola goes on stage. "Very good!" Likewise of Garimon Roferos. "I like that!" And Jun Escario. "Very Parisian, ang galing ng baklang ‘yan!" Randall Solomon. "Magaling ‘yan!"

"Too bad, many designers today are just the product of image-making." Like who? Ernest names names. But I have amnesia for now.

Who are the brilliant young designers today? Ernest names three – Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Rhett Eala.

And who would come closest to being the Ernest Santiago of today? Meaning who is the most creative one?

"Jojie Lloren. But he’s too neat and clean and quiet. Not like me, loka-loka!"

* * *

I had fun, and also felt good that night after seeing all the young designers producing Paris-worthy creations using Philippine indigenous materials.

Lulu Tan-Gan and FDCP members are today’s fashion heroes. Despite the lack of funds, they continue to inspire and encourage our young designers. Another hero in the Philippine fashion scene is French Ambassador Renee Veret, who has come to the rescue, providing the airfare and other prizes for the winners, along with Alliance Francaise stalwarts.

The Philippines started joining the Paris Young Designers Competition in 1992, and has produced a roster of winners led by Jojie Lloren and Frederick Peralta. "But we haven’t been able to join every year due to lack of funds and sponsors," says Lulu.

The fashion industry is aching to have more heroes. - Millet Mananquil