Yes, fashion can serve, heal and empower

Think celebrations and what comes to mind are usually birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries — markers of specific events and milestones throughout our lives. But how about celebrating the journey of life itself, the struggles along with the victories? They are inextricably intertwined, after all. To find beauty in tears and strength in trials, the complex journey of life demands resilience but at the same time gives us all so much more through hope and grace.

This year, the I Can Serve Foundation will be holding its second “Fashion Can Serve” fundraising event, a special fashion show featuring the collections of six of the country’s top designers: Randy Ortiz, Dennis Lustico, Patrice Diaz, Rosanna Ocampo, Mark Bumgarner, and Patty Ang.

“My mother fought cancer twice,” shares Randy Ortiz. “The first when she was about 50 years old. The second was when she was in her 70s. She passed away after the second bout, but my mother lived a beautiful life. Everything I do is inspired by her and the love that my parents had for each other. They were each other’s true love. I am lucky to have been a witness and part of their love.”

His collection, lovingly titled “Lourdes,” is Randy’s ode to his mother. Featuring embroidery and the style of clothing his mother used to wear, his collection will be showcased by Iza Calzado, Carmen Araneta, and doctors from The Medical City: Dr. Catherine Yap-Asedillo, Dr. Erwin Alcazaren, Dr. Baby Gozali and her daughter, Kara Gozali.

“My entire life has been dedicated to women and helping them feel more beautiful,” says Dennis Lustico. “Nothing gives me more joy than to give back to the most nurturing and loving people in the world.” His collection will feature “breast friends” Beth Romualdez and Via Reyes, Bibeth Orteza and Rafa Siguion Reyna, and Sunlife’s Lorenza Huang.

“For this collection, I chose to celebrate the delicate side of women through graceful curves and soft lines. Our femininity is not a weakness as it’s often perceived,” shares Patrice Diaz. Her creations will be modeled by Rita Nazareno and Maxine Chua, Olivia Lamasan and MeAnne Solomon.

For designer Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, “I would like to highlight the positivity, inner strength and resolve of all those who battled breast cancer and emerged victorious. There’s a lot to be said about those who have or are struggling with cancer.” Donning her feminine and romantic creations will be sisters Frances Yu and Crickette Tantoco, plus Margarita Fores and Malou Fores, both cancer survivors.

For the youngest male designer, Mark Bumgarner’s collection is all about female empowerment. “My objective is to create beautiful clothes that will make women feel good about themselves,” he says. Chuchu Madrigal and Alex Eduque, along with Tang Singson and Heart Evangelista, will take part in his collection.

Patty Ang takes inspiration from a healing palette and the power of nature. “Like flowers, women bloom and flourish. My collection is fresh and highlights the natural beauty of every woman.” Amanda LuYm and Cacay Moras-Server, along with Miss World Megan Young, will be modeling for her collection.

“Our goal is to spread awareness so that there is early detection. Breast cancer is easily treatable if it’s detected in the early stages,” says Tang Singson, president of the I Can Serve Foundation, and herself a breast cancer survivor. “We’ve discovered that there is a general belief among women in the provinces and barangays that they would rather not know if they have breast cancer because they think it’s a death sentence. Breast cancer is highly treatable so we have a program called ‘Ating Dibdibin,’ which educates local health workers on self-breast examination so they can teach it to the women of the barangays. We have also successfully partnered with some local government units in Muntinlupa, Marikina, Taguig, and Panabo in Davao, to provide financial support for women in their areas who are diagnosed with breast cancer,” she adds.

The Philippines is number one in breast cancer-related deaths in the ASEAN region and ninth in the world, a sad statistic that could easily be changed through education and support.

At this year’s event on Oct. 13 at Raffles, Makati, the foundation hopes to raise funds to help women all over the country find the resources and the strength to face breast cancer and emerge victorious. More than monetary support and awareness, they hope to spread the message of hope and love, and the importance of celebrating the beautiful journey of life every which way we can.

* * *

This year’s event is made possible by the generosity and support of Raffles Makati, Philip Stein, Sun Life, Security Bank, Del Monte Philippines, Marie France, The Medical City, Estee Lauder, Mercedes-Benz, and Globe Platinum, with media partners Summit Media, 2nd Avenue, Philippine STAR, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Golden Touch, and Inewvation.

For more information visit www.icanservefoundation.org/.?For Fashion Can Serve 2016, visit www.facebook.com/FashionCanServe.