Woven legacies in fashion and dance

Designed to leave an indelible mark, Pamana wove together dance, music, fashion, and craft into a mesmerizing spectacle. The concept script, written by the late Floy Quintos, a renowned playwright and stage director, breathed life into this vision.

Choreography and creative direction were masterfully handled by CCP awardee Gener Caringal. Many thanks to Maritoni Tordesillas Rufino, owner of Dance Space, who worked tirelessly to ensure the flow of dance and music. Jinno Rufino was the very charming emcee of the show and Codie Vargas, who is part of the five founders of HeArteFino.

The evening’s program was divided into eight segments, beginning with an opening performance by the University of the East Silanganan Dance Troupe. This segment featured accessories by Arnel Papa, original music by Jessie Lucas, and indigenous textiles by Bayo Atelier. As the night unfolded, Pahingahan showcased pieces by Maison Métisse, Tagpi, Camille Villanueva, and Trude Lizares, each design resonating with cultural significance.

A poignant ballet interlude to Luzon by the Danspace Ballet School, choreographed by Melvin Martinez and set to Levi Celerio’s original music performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, left the audience in awe. The ballet dancers, draped in flowing fabrics that mirrored the grace and fluidity of their movements, embodied the rich traditions and stories of Luzon, bringing to life the soul of the island through their ethereal performance.

The Kaswal na Kasuotan segment starred designs by Edited Limited X Adante, NIñOFranco, WYC (Wear Your Culture), and Jo Ann Bitagcol’s crafts, each piece a testament to the artisans’ skill and creativity. Models strutted down the runway, showcasing contemporary yet traditionally rooted pieces that drew gasps and applause from the captivated audience. The garments, adorned with intricate patterns and handwoven textiles, highlighted the seamless blend of modern fashion with historical craftsmanship.

Danspace Ballet School’s Maskara followed, a fashion and music tribute to the Visayas by Patis Tesoro, also choreographed by Martinez and featuring an original score by Kodo Irodori. This segment was a visual feast, with dancers adorned in vibrant masks and costumes that materialized the vibrant festivals and cultural wealth of the Visayan islands. The music evoked a sense of festivity and pride with its harmonious blend of traditional instruments and modern beats.

Postura showcased works by Steph Verano, Lulu Tan-Gan, Ditta Sandico, and Jor-el Espina, each design narrating a story of tradition and innovation. The models, poised and elegant, wore pieces that showed care in craft and artistic vision. From flowing gowns to structured ensembles, every outfit was a masterpiece, bestowing reverence upon the legacy of Filipino fashion while breaking past the boundaries of contemporary design.

The evening’s highlight was the Sarimanok ballet interlude, performed by Danspace Ballet School. This tribute to the cultural trademarks of Mindanao featured music by Jessie Lucas and choreography by Martinez, encapsulating the spirit of the region. The performance was a blend of traditional dance and contemporary ballet, capturing in motion the beauty and the strong-willed character of the cultural roots of the people of Mindanao; that is, a poignant tribute paid to the resilience and beauty of its cultural heritage by the dancers who were clad in vibrant costumes inspired by the Sarimanok, a mythical bird.

The event concluded with an archival collection by Rhett Eala and Patis Tesoro, sourced from the private collection of Mita Rufino. This final segment was a nostalgic journey through the evolution of Filipino fashion, featuring iconic pieces that defined the nation’s sartorial history. Every piece of clothing, representing the diverse cultural weave of the Philippines, was warmly embraced and respected by the spectators, concluding the evening with heartfelt triumph.

The creators of ArteFino—Cedie Lopez-Vargas, Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, and Susie Quiros—highlighted the alignment of FHFI’s purpose with ArteFino’s goal of promoting recognition and love for Filipino heritage. The proceeds from Pamana supported the developmental programs of HeArteFino, nurturing artist-entrepreneurs and artisan communities.

Pamana featured 16 designers from ArteFino’s roster, representing the woven legacies of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR: Bayo Atelier, Camille Villanueva, Ditta Sandico, Edited Limited x Adante, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Jor-el Espina, Lulu Tan Gan, Maison Métisse, Niñofranco, Patis Tesoro, Patty Eustaquio x Bayo Atelier for HeArteFino, Rhett Eala, Steph Verano, Tagpi, Trude Lizares, and WYC (Wear Your Culture) took center stage. The show also highlighted accessories by Aishe, Arnel Papa, Earl Gariando, Kathy & Kathy Bespoke, and Lakat, with performances by the University of the East Silanganan Dance Troupe and Danspace Ballet School.

The night concluded not just as a fundraiser but as a prelude to ArteFino’s annual festival in August. This movement celebrated the artistry and craft of Filipino ingenuity and culture, weaving stories of resilience and heritage through every thread and tale. The Pamana event will be remembered not only by its grandiosity but also as a heartfelt tribute to the Filipino heritage.