20 March 2014- The history of Philippines Fashion took centerstage during a luncheon for the ladies of the Asia-Pacific Group on February 24 at the Ambassador’s residence.

Capping her social functions in Ottawa as spouse of Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan, Madame Debbie Lydia Mijares Gatan treated diplomatic ladies from Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan and Myanmar to a cultural exhibit consisting of fabrics from various parts of the Philippines, dolls in diverse Filipiniana attire and paintings depicting traditional Filipino dresses on loan by the Toronto-based Philippine Artists Group (PAG).

The ladies enjoyed the presentation of the traditional Filipino dresses, from pre-Hispanic tribal wear in the Cordilleras and Muslim Mindanao to the Spanish-era baro’t saya, the mestiza dress and terno of the American period and the modern wraps of Dita Sandico-Ong.  Ladies and gentlemen of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa modelled Mrs. Gatan’s personal collection of Filipiniana attire and their own.

After a hearty Filipino lunch, Mrs. Gatan gifted each of her guests with table runners woven by the Yakans of Basilan.

The event was covered by The Filipino Channel which aired its reportage on Balitang Canada on March 9. END