A Fashion Explosion. These were the words Ms Alice Dixson used to introduce Trajes De Reinas Avant Garde Gown Competition, a special segment in the Reina De Devao Occidental 2017 program held in Malita,  The same stage where the queens from the five municipalities of Davao Occidental battled out on became a runway ablaze in Mindanaoan artistry.

The segment showcased creations from 11 local designers whose talents truly broke out from being just a potential in the global fashion scene. It has to be noted, however, that the gown competition goes beyond mere talent and tapestry. It tells a story of both cultural understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic of Mindanao Tribes among others.

Before the actual avant garde gown competition, a fashion show intermission exhibited the more casual and Prêt-à-Porter pieces:

The Manobo tribe is the inspiration behind the design.

The design was inspired by the Tribal Moro from Davao Occidental. The moro, otherwise known as Bangsa Moro, are the Muslim population of the country. The gown is embellished with beads and is mainly made in Inaul (also pronounced as inol), the famous Maguindanao handwoven fabric, usually made into malong or sarong.

Tagakaolo Tribe is the inspiration of the design, made evident in the colors of the gown as Tagakaolo members can be recognized by garments of red and yellow striped cloth. Metallic velvet was the main material of this piece.

The gown is symbolic of the majectic goddess of all tribes that pretends to be an eagle to protect all tribes of Mindanao. The outer jacket shows the look of the goddess in disguise, and the gold inner gown is said to be representational of freedom across all tribes.

While it looks like the gown is made from bamboo shreds, they're not. The designer used ribbonettes to create an Amakan look inspired by the houses of the tribes which are commonly built out of Amakan or bamboo mats.

A B'laan warrior is what this gown was inspired by. It is entirely made of red cords that have been braided to signify the B'laans tight grip to their identity.

The Mystical Goddess of the Ocean gown is intricately appliqued with Capiz shells and rhinestones. A laser cut sequence fabric was also used to resemble a fin as that of a fish. These were revelatory of the rich and bountiful marine life of Sarangani.

The Princess of Bagobo Tribe-inspired gown is indicative of the beauty of the Bagobo women. The fabric used to create this piece is called Tinalak which was made and weaved by the T'Bolis in South Cotabato. This serpentine gown is accentuated with petal-shaped fabric cut-outs, beads, and brass plates—something that Bagobos are noted to be skilled in producing.

These entries were judged using the following criteria:

1. Aritistic Interpretation and Concept
2. Quality and Durability
3. Over-all Visual Impression

The judges were Kyle Velino, one of the stars from the ABS-CBN prime-time soap, The Good Son, business-owner and fashion designer, Susan Magno Antepuesto, and renowned fashion designer, Avel Bacudio . The designs from Niel Patrick Jimlani and Joey Hambala ranked third and second place respectively, and the Mystical Goddess of the Ocean-inspired gown by Nicky De Asis was hailed as the winner.

Designer Niel Patrick Jimlani. Top 3.

Designer Joey Alabmah. Top 2.

Mr. Avel Bacudio awarding the Best Design/Designer. Mr. Nicky De Asis.

It was indeed an explosion of fashion. The Mindanaoan artistry swells with so much hope and promise. High praises to the designer and organizers who with their talent and hard-work brought about a very successful show.

Following a rather short but serious phase of listlessness, it was a surprise to have found myself aboard a van crammed with people working in the media for a journey to Malita, Davao Occidental. It was the 2nd night of the week-long celebration of the 2nd Araw Ng Davao Occidental, October 27, 2017. We were invited to witness a parade of beauty, culture, heritage, and fashion.

It was just my luck I stumbled upon a worthy impetus because I was rotting in my apartment. It was a long drive—approximately 3 to 4 hours—but it was a ride I willed to sit through because a beauty pageant and a fashion show await me; a real treat for someone who holds a pride flag, if I were honest.

Davao Occidental has five municipalities: Sarangani, Jose Abad Santos, Sta Maria, Don Marcelino, and Malita. Each of them were represented by young, beautiful lasses vying to be this year's Reina De Davao Occidental.

Jinelyn II T. Cawa - Sarangani

Chrstine Joy N. Sering - Jose Abad Santos

Mary Elvi T. Dimzon - Sta. Maria

Princess Grace B. Calvo- Malita

El Shaphir Mareshah H. Manliguez - Don Marcelino

Alice Dixson was host to the event alongside Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao host, Joey Concepcion and PBB Celebrity Edition 2 Big Winner, Ruben Gonzaga. Kyle Velino, a fresh Star Magic artist who appears on the prime-time soap, The Good Son, was also present as a judge to the competition alongside Daiana Menezes, and one of the country's most influential names in the fashion scene, Mr Avel Bacudio.

One of ABS CBN's hottest leading men, Vin Abrenica, also made an appearance to serenade the Reinas while they were clad in locally designed Filipinianas. You could just imagine how the crowd reacted to the whole show.

Personally, I loved every bit of the program. In Bohol, our municipality would hold an annual pageant, but they were not as grand as this one, so I was totally delighted—even more so when the Trajes De Reinas Avant Garde Competition started. (Click here for the separate story.)

But it was more than just the gorgeous faces walking on pairs of long legs; it was more than just the glitz. When all the glamour is stripped away, you'll see that it was mainly about how five sets of people from the municipalities that comprise the province coming together to celebrate their independence, and oneness, and appreciation of tribal aesthetic, its local bounty in both talent and scenic attractions. Gov. Claude Bautista even highlighted in his closing remarks that the success of the 2nd Araw Ng Davao Occidental can be greatly attributed to the whole province's unity and cooperation.

In the end, the 18-year old queen from Sta. Maria, Mary Elvi T. Dimzon was crowned Reina De Davao Del Sur 2017. The night was a true success.

I went home to Davao City completely mesmerized by the experience, and definitely yearning for more. Here's Katrin Su's vlog at the event so you can peek a little further: