23 November 2015 – Filipino designers were featured during the 1ST ASEAN International Bazaar of the ASEAN Women’s Circle of Los Angeles (AWCLA) at the Starview Room of the Sheraton Universal Hotel on November 13. The two guest designers are Mr. Oskar Atendido and Ms. Sophia Manimbo.
Mr. Atendido and Ms. Manimbo were given an opportunity to give presentations about the products they are promoting from the Philippines. Mr. Atendido gave a lecture about Philippine Heritage Filigree Craft. Filigree work found its way to the Philippines through schools with Belgian missionaries. It has been Mr. Atendido’s passion to save a craft that was rapidly disappearing but truly worth saving. Mr. Atendido had a table showing fine handcrafted filigree jewelry made of silver, copper and gold.
Ms. Sophia Manimbo is the daughter of Ms. Cora Manimbo, who is known in the Philippines for her dresses made from various Philippine fabrics. Ms. Manimbo talked about Philippine Indigenous Fabrics including the abel iloco, piña, t’nalak and tapis. Ms. Manimbo described each fabric and where they were sourced in the Philippines. She ended with a video of her mother, Filipiniana couturier Cora de Jesus Manimbo, showing her designs and creations. Ms. Manimbo also brought some traditional ternos and blouses made with indigenous Philippines fabric to the bazaar. END