SFA-AGR-091-08

Philippine EMbassy in Pretoria introduces fashion

from dita sandico-ong

26 February 2008 — Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy in Pretoria hosted a mini-fashion show at the “Bahay Pilipino” Official Residence on 22 February featuring the creations of Filipino fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong.

Ms. Sandico-Ong is currently in South Africa to explore business opportunities for her line of wraps and accessories made from banana abaca fiber – wraps which have become popular in the Philippines as well as in some countries in Asia and Europe.  

The Embassy invited members of the diplomatic community in Pretoria, media practitioners and notable South Africans to attend the show.

Ambassador Reyes introduced the designer to the audience, speaking of the importance she has brought upon the communities that manufacture the fiber that she uses in her designs.  The show opened with a video presentation showing the origins of the banana abaca fiber, and how various communities were benefiting from its collection, weaving, and dyeing.

The show then featured the wraps modelled on ramp by Filipinos in South Africa such as Ms. Michelle Aldana-Heinermann, Ms. Bambina Olivares-Wise, Mrs. Tessie Villapando (wife of Minister and Consul General Renato L. Villapando) and Ms. Raquel Andales-Lightley.

After the ramp modelling segment, Ms. Sandico-Ong demonstrated the myriad ways her wraps can be worn.  Many members of the delighted audience expressed amazement that such simple strips of fabric could be so versatile.  The designer then called on several members of the audience to try using the wraps first-hand and experience their versatility.

/wingret