EMBATTLED but unbowed, Mindanao struggles to maintain a semblance of normalcy after the imposition of martial law. There’s a humanitarian crisis while the clashes are ongoing in Marawi City, and the repercussions can be felt far and wide on the island. Still, resilience is key, as these fashion practitioners prove so impressively.
JERMAINE NABONG, ILIGAN CITY
NABONG has been designing for several years, but only opened his Silk and Satin Studio in 2012. It is “the home of elegant fashion” in the “City of Waterfalls”.
“I believe that martial law in Mindanao is the answer to the ongoing conflict in Marawi City. Being a resident of Iligan City, which is just 45 minutes away from the war-stricken area, there is really a paramount need for the President to declare martial law. The threats from the terrorist group are imminent. With the presence of the military and the visibility of the policemen in every critical area, we feel much more protected than ever before. We feel safe. But a huge number of my clients are Maranaos who reside in Lanao del Sur and with their current plight, my business has been unfavorably affected. They are known to be extravagant when attending social gatherings, especially weddings. The number of clients I’m entertaining has seriously declined, and my income is clearly disrupted.”
MARK CHRISTOPHER YARANON, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
YARANON is the president of the Oro Fashion Designers Guild, which will hold its annual Mindanao Fashion Summit from August 3 to 5.
“In the City of Golden Friendship, all is calm and peaceful. Yes, I see the presence of the military and police but I feel like there’s no martial law. I’ve never felt more secure in my life.
“My supply chain isn’t affected, as I buy my raw materials in Cebu and Manila. But there’s an impact on my business. I lost a number of Maranao clients because of the Marawi clash. They usually order gowns before Ramadan so they could wear them to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This year I got zero orders”.
“I also have Kagay-anon clients based in Australia who put their orders for a golden wedding celebration temporarily on hold because of their concerns about the situation in Mindanao.”
BONIE ADAZA, DAVAO CITY
ADAZA is the favorite designer of the President, creating most of the President’s barong Tagalog for important occasions.
“People here in Davao are not that affected by martial law because we already have our city ordinances, like curfew hours, liquor ban and no smoking in public places. When martial law was declared, we feel more safe and secure.”
“Even with martial law, I don’t see any problems that affect my business. Some of our clients coming from other cities of Mindanao still have time to visit, but the traffic does give them a hard time because there are military checkpoints.”
ANGKING FRANCISCO, ZAMBOANGA CITY
FRANCISCO is a former president of the Fashion Designers Association of Zamboanga and one of the leading practitioners in “Asia’s Latin City”.
“We’ve been through the Zamboanga siege in 2013. When martial law was imposed, everything came under control. We felt safer and more secure.”
“Regarding the supply chain, it’s not really affected as we’re used to this kind of thing. Martial law did little change in our business. It’s still the same. It’s just that we need to close early. But income-wise, it’s still the same. Of course, everyone wants peace but as what I’ve said, people here in Zamboanga are used to this kind of thing. All we need to do is be vigilant so that what happened in 2013 won’t happen again.”
PEPE QUITCO, COTABATO CITY
QUITCO is a revered designer in southern Mindanao and has lived through the Marcos martial-law years.
“The declaration of martial law made Cotabato a safer place. We’re very lucky to have a mayor, lawyer Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, who is first and foremost after the safety and welfare of her constituents. We are always on red alert but thank God, there are no untoward incidents.”
“I’ve been in the fashion business for quite a time and I can’t complain about the entry of raw materials because we have textile stores that supply us with the latest materials we see in urban cities. It may cost a bit higher but at least we can have them anytime designers need them.”
“Like all designers, we have our own loyal clients who still patronize our work even at this volatile time. I really pray that the siege of Marawi will already end and never happen to any other city. Fashion will always be in our midst and, hopefully, it will be more progressive and more blessed.”Read more at:red carpet dresses | evening dresses uk
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