CEBU CITY — Philippine mythology strutted down a runway on August 31, 2026, as the Folklore Fashion Fest closed out HANDURAWAN at The Mall-NUSTAR Cebu. The wearable art show transformed legendary creatures into haute couture, delivering a finale that was both spellbinding and deeply rooted in Cebuano pride.
A Grand Finale of Myth and Modernity
The fashion show served as the crowning moment of the three-day HANDURAWAN celebration. Under the direction of Dexter Z. Alazas, designers and creators reinterpreted Philippine folklore through dramatic, wearable masterpieces. The event proved that old stories can be retold with courage, imagination, and contemporary flair.
Thirteen unique designs graced the runway, each one drawing from a different tale or cultural icon. Models embodied diwata, sirena, and other legendary beings, moving through the crowd with theatrical presence. The fusion of heritage and high fashion created an unforgettable visual narrative.
Dexter Z. Alazas: The Visionary Behind the Magic
Dexter Z. Alazas, the creative force behind Admire Models Philippines, Signature Styles Series, and the Wear Cebu Collective, orchestrated the showcase. In a heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude to The Mall-NUSTAR Cebu for trusting his team with their creative space. He described HANDURAWAN as a labor of love.
Alazas emphasized that every collaboration is a chance to tell Filipino stories and celebrate identity. The event allowed designers, models, and artists to showcase their talents meaningfully. His vision transformed the mall into a living gallery of Cebuano culture.
Wearable Art as Cultural Preservation
The Folklore Fashion Fest was more than a fashion show. It was a statement that Filipino heritage can be preserved through creativity and reinvention. Designers used handwoven textiles like hablon alongside innovative silhouettes. The result was a powerful demonstration of how tradition can inspire modern art.
For audiences, the event offered a visual reminder that culture is not static. It lives through the people who carry it forward with pride. The fashion show sparked conversations about identity, heritage, and the future of Cebuano creativity.
HANDURAWAN: A Celebration of Community
The fashion fest served as the perfect capstone to HANDURAWAN, which began on August 29. The three-day event brought together Cebuano brands, artists, and cultural advocates under one roof. It featured storytelling, book signings, and a curated pop-up market.
The event's name, "handurawan," evokes memories and imagination. It framed fashion and art as living archives of tradition. HANDURAWAN succeeded in making heritage feel immediate, personal, and relevant to modern audiences.
The Creative Force Behind the Celebration
The success of HANDURAWAN was made possible by passionate creatives and organizers. Alazas extended his deepest gratitude to everyone who walked with them, supported them, and believed in the vision. His message of thanks highlighted the collaborative spirit at the heart of the event.
Partners like The Chocolate Chamber, Café Laguna, and Casa Gorordo Museum Shop added to the rich experience. Featured brands like AMANO Craft Creations and VIRTUCIO Accessories showcased local craftsmanship. Together, they painted a vibrant picture of Cebuano creativity.
