A hundred years of Filipino presence in the US

On the occasion of the Centennial Anniversary of Filipino Migration to the USA, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Albert del Rosario thought that a great way to celebrate it would be by exhibiting Philippine lifestyles in fashion. And who better to showcase Philippine history and culture through high fashion than Jose "Pitoy" Moreno, Asia’s Fashion Czar?

Today, June 17, 700 invited guests, (movers and shakers in the Fil-Am community, the US government, and representatives from American firms, diplomats and media) will be treated to a 120-piece collection of Moreno at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington DC. This collection is the Ginintuang Moreno tour de force collection, which he presented at the Cultural Center for his 40th anniversary last year, with some new remarkable pieces.

There will be a "Letras y Figuras" theme portion, an all-piña collection, a segment hailing back to the ’60s in London, one of his first mini skirts, dating 25 years ago when the mini was not yet hip in Manila, and a black-and-white Maria Clara collection. There will also be flamenco-inspired dresses complete with mantones de Manila, draped jersey dresses, art deco-inspired beaded gowns, Oriental-inspired numbers and Philippine costumes including a Muslim-inspired collection. Of course, the collection will not be complete without his resplendent ternos.

For Pitoy, this is a very special event because Washington represents the seat of power. It also brings back memories of the various occasions when he made outfits for First Ladies Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Ladybird Johnson, Barbara Bush, and Elizabeth Ford, mostly with Filipiniana themes.

Moreno has presented various collections in countries such as Iran, France, China, Japan, Spain, and the US. He is so proud to be selected for this event in Washington. Prior to his departure, I congratulated him on this very significant milestone of his legendary career and he replied, "I am always proud and excited to show the world the beauty and essence of Philippine fashion. Onstage, my fashion unfolds our cultural and historical heritage."

On the other side of the globe, Ambassador del Rosario’s message to the gliteratti and media in Washington DC is that "Pitoy Moreno not only highlights the best in Philippine fashion, fabric and design, he is also a world-class artist. As we celebrate the 100 years of Filipino migration and presence in the United States, our goal is to instill pride in our own cultural heritage and identity, to showcase the best in Philippine fashion in front of an American audience."

As with most Moreno shows, the proceeds for this show will go to charity – Gawad Kalinga. Upon his return, he will be staging a show for the Philippine General Hospital.