08 July 2014 - Fashion designers, models, stylists, select members of the Filipino community, business executives and fashion enthusiasts converged at the Cupola Theatre of the Honolulu Design Center on June 28 to watch the Luzviminda Charity Fashion Show which featured the Filipiniana creations of four topnotch Filipino designers. Presented by the JCI-Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber, the glamorous, standing-room-only event was organized to benefit for the GMA Kapuso Foundation, a Philippine-based organization which provides quick-response and relief to uplift the underprivileged in the Philippines.

“Luzviminda stands for the three major Philippine island groups, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,” said event chair and HFJC member Rhonee Rojas. He is a Filipino commercial ramp and print model in Hawaii who is making a name for himself in the international scene and with multiple appearances at the annual Philippine Fashion Week in Manila. “We are doing this to present the abilities and creative works of Filipinos on an international scale and to have pride in our culture and show the world what we can offer,” he explained.

Fifteen (15) professional models walked down the runway wearing Filipiniana and Filipino-inspired creations of celebrated Filipino designers Audie Espino, Raoul Ramirez, Sidney Perez Sio and Lyle Ibañez. The pieces ranged from young and eclectic to classic and opulent.

Philippine Vice Consul Joyleen E. Santos, the Hawaii Senate and the Honolulu City Council presented HFJC with certificates commending the Chamber for its successful staging of the Luzviminda Charity Fashion Show and in fitting recognition of its steadfast commitment to advance Filipino culture and traditions. END