CEBU, Philippines — The most anticipated beauty event of Cebu is getting on high gear. At 6 p.m. tomorrow, September 26, the 54 Binibining Cebu title contenders will parade local designs in the Binibining Cebu Swimwear and Long Gown Competition at The Tent in Mandani Bay.
Eighteen young designers from the Fashion Association of Cebu’s Elite Talents (FACETs) create the long gowns, inspired by the festive spirit of the Cebuano people. The designers are Pearl Arandia, John Arellano, Roxanne Barroquillo, Nino Benito, Celine Borromeo, JP Cabigon, Carol Escasinas, Lian Lacandalo, Clieza Mayol, Hannah Noel, Eyla Orais, Jeph Polancos, Shayne Remoreras, Paco Serafica, Matthia Tangoan, Jan Tiong, Stef Tirado, and Diane Ty.
Binibining Cebu pageant chairperson and world-renowned master couturier Cary Santiago says they are “thrilled to be tying up with the young designers of FACETs,” and reveals the same collaboration with Kymberly Maitland-Smith, who is an advocate of sustainable fashion. “[We] are privileged to provide a platform that will further put the spotlight on the different faces, places and creative talents of Cebu,” Santiago adds.
FACETs designers do the ensembles for the pageant’s Long Gown Competition, while the pieces for the Swimwear Competition are from Kymberly Maitland-Smith’s SOLTI Activewear, as the Binibining Cebu official swimwear.
FACETs was founded by Dr. Mary Felma Auza-Aliño, fashion design coordinator of the University of San Carlos, with the aim to improve the local fashion industry. The end goal is to stage an annual Cebu Fashion Week. At the same time, the group also wants to bring to the attention of local and international suppliers that Cebu is a good hub for fashion-design exhibits.
SOLTI Activewear pieces are made by Cebuanos and carefully cut and sewn by hand, to give that beautiful and confident feeling on whatever body type. In support of efforts for environmental conservation, the fabrics used in the swimwear are up-cycled from discarded textiles.
Tomorrow night’s Long Gown and Swimsuit Competition of the Binibining Cebu 2018 pageant each comprise 30 percent of the pre-pageant scores that will determine the Top 20 Finalists in the Coronation Night on October 19, 2018, Friday, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino. More information is posted at www.binibiningcebu.com, www.fb.com/BinibiningCebu, and @BinibiningCebu on Instagram and Twitter. Yvette Ramas