T’nalak ng T’boli tribe binigyang-halaga sa fashion line ng Brazilian model/designer
NAKAKA-TOUCH ang pagpapahalagang ibinigay ng Brazilian fashion model/designer na si Alexia Nunez sa kulturang Pinoy sa katatapos na Alexia Nunez Design Launch na ginanap sa Reserve Bar, Pasig City nitong Miyerkules.
Hindi lang ang konsepto ng ukay-ukay ang binigyang-halaga sa nasabing okasyon kundi maging ang mga habi ng T’boli tribe mula Lake Sebu, South Cotabato sa Mindanao.
Katunayan, 12 miyembro ng IP (indigenous people) mula sa Dream Weavers ang inilipad pa-Maynila ni Alexia at ng partner niyang part-time actor/entrepreneur na si Billy James Cash upang maging bahagi ng design launch.
Bale sila ang nag-welcome sa guests sa pamamagitan ng mga ritwal na anila ay pagtatawag sa mga ispiritung nagga-guide sa Mother Earth at pag-a-attract sa spirit of wealth para i-bless ang nasabing event.
Matapos iyon ay nagkaroon ng maikling fashion show na kinabilangan ni Alexia at iba pang international models suot ang designs niya mula sa Eon line na gawa sa used ukay-ukay materials at habi (T’nalak) ng Dream Weavers.
Ani Alexia, “Can you imagine all of these pieces? They are made from ukay-ukay, all recycled materials. Lahat. No single waste, everything, thrift shop, used ones, old ones, people would just throw away, garbage.”
Dagdag pa niya, “Would you say this is an old jacket, this is a curtain but not right? So I hope you feel inspired to, you know… I hope you look at the beautiful culture you have here in the Philippines. You know, i hope you value the culture you have, I hope you value the indigenous people, their traditions because it’s also yours. It’s also mine.
“It’s okay, I come from Brazil, it’s true. But you know what, we’re the same, just one source, it’s love, it’s God. It’s one planet. We share the same air, we share the same ocean, the same sky. It doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter what your religion is, your political decisions, you know. It doesnt matter, your color of skin, your gender, as long as you’re connected with love. You’re bringing good. That’s all we need, all we need is love. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” patuloy pa ng model/designer.
Para kay Alexia, isa lamang siyang instrumento o channel upang ipakita sa mundo ang kagandahan ng art with a purpose.
“The vision is to merge art with purpose, inspired by the rich traditions of the Philippines and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Through our designs, we aim to blend creativity with activism, making a lasting impact on the communities we serve and the planet we cherish,” sey pa niya.
Kwento ni Alexia, nu’ng mga unang dalaw niya dito sa ’Pinas, tuwing magtatanong siya kung saan magandang pumunta, ang lagi raw sinasabi sa kanya ay Palawan at Boracay.
Pero, pag-amin niya, mas na-in love siya nang mapadpad sa Mindanao, partikular sa Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, tahanan ng T’boli tribe at Dream Weavers.
“It’s priceless,” aniya sa audience. “I hope that you feel inspired to believe in yourself, connect with nature… this is a call to action. This is a movement, this is a community. This is for a higher purpose.”
