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Sabsabong: A Blossoming of Igorot Heritage on Manila's Fashion Forefront

Igorot fashion designer Ayra Costan Longsiab's Sabsabong Collection marked a historic moment for the Igorots at the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon.

Manila, Philippines - In the heart of Manila, within the storied walls of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Museum in Intramuros, history wasn't just revisited but reimagined. EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab, an emerging force in Philippine fashion championing Cordilleran heritage, staged a groundbreaking showcase at the prestigious Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon on May 25, 2024. Her latest collection "Sabsabong," meaning "flowers" in her native language Kankana-ey, was unveiled by an all-Igorot ensemble. This wasn't merely a fashion show; it was a cultural tapestry woven with vibrant threads of identity, empowerment, and unity.

A Journey from the Cordilleras

Ten Igorot models, each a proud embodiment of their heritage, descended from the mountainous Cordillera region to the bustling metropolis of Manila. They weren't mere models, but living expressions of the Cordillera, their every step a testament to their roots and resilience.

Golden Threads and Woven Narratives

Inspired by the Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Atok, Benguet, The Sabsabong Collection paid homage to the beauty of Longsiab's homeland and the rich tapestry of Cordilleran culture. Each piece seamlessly blended tradition and innovation.

Ayra Costan Longsiab's vision shimmered on each Igorot model like dew-kissed mornings in the Cordillera. Golden accents echoed the region's rich heritage, while meticulously crafted garments incorporated the Inabel fabric of Benguet. This textile, known for its durability and intricate designs, whispered stories of traditional artistry through its threads-making each piece a bearer of tales and a bridge between generations.

Shekinah Finmokod Bugnay, Miss Tublay 2022, at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. Shekinah, with roots in Bontoc, Mountain Province and Tublay, Benguet, is currently pursuing a diploma in Hospitality Supervision.

Charlie James Magkachi Quilaman, Mister Bontoc 2023 and SaGala Santa Cruzan de Modelo 2022 Grand Winner, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. He hails from Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Abby Mayos, a rising Cordilleran talent under YoYo YoYo:Headhunters of Talent, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. She hails from Itogon, Benguet.

Cleelan Evan David, Mister Island Tourism Philippines Mountain Province 2024 and Hari ng Hiyas ng Baguio 2023, taking the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. He hails from Bauko, Mountain Province.

Thea Chris Bay-an, Ms. Buguias 2023 runner-up, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. She hails from Buguias, Benguet. Thea is a BS Architecture graduate from Saint Louis University Baguio City.

John Rowel Recile, a Don Cristobal Ambassador 2022 Awardee and Great Man of the Universe - Mountain Province 2023, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. He hails from Bauko, Mountain Province.

Crista Palaly, Ms. Sablan 2023 and Miss Amazing Baguio 2021 Pavi Elle Ambassador, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. She hails from Baguio City, taking BS Management Accountancy at the University of the Cordilleras.

Joe Kis-ing, Mr. & Ms. La Trinidad - Shilan 2024, at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. He hails from Bokod, Benguet. Joe has established himself as a skilled guitarist, rocking stages from La Trinidad Battle of the Bands (2019-2023) to the BIYAG Battle of the Bands 2023.

Ezra Bati-il, Ms. Kibungan 2023 and Benguet Youth Advocate (Mr & Miss Benguet 2023), gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. She hails from Kibungan, Benguet. She is a former athlete and ballerina.

Delefher Comising, Mr. Itogon 2016 and Mr. NIIT Baguio 2017, gracing the runway at EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab for the Philippine Fashion Gala Paragon. He hails from Itogon, Benguet. Delefher is a Talent Manager at YoYo:Headhunters of Talent.

Ayra Costan Longsiab, the Igorot fashion designer, wholeheartedly embraced her rich heritage by wearing the Tapis-a traditional Benguet garment. This choice pays tribute to her roots and amplifies the theme of her current collection.

As the models took their final walk, applause filled the room-not just for the beauty of the garments, but as recognition of a movement, a celebration of heritage, and a salute to the visionary woman who dared to dream it into existence. Ayra Longsiab didn't merely make history; she paved a path where fashion transcends trends and boundaries. It becomes a bridge between worlds-a canvas for cultural storytelling and a beacon of indigenous pride.

A United Fashion Front

The event, masterfully orchestrated by Mike Tagle of MTP Production and directed by Raymund Ramirez Seranillo, united like-minded creatives. Esteemed designers from across the Philippines graced the occasion, showcasing the remarkable unity and diversity of the country's fashion scene. Every detail, from the lighting that accentuated the golden accents to the music that echoed the whispers of the Cordilleras, spoke volumes of Seranillo's expertise in transforming fashion into an immersive experience.

(L-R) Cedric Ramos (Bulacan), Jet Torrento (Iloilo), Laydeh Alberto (Baguio), Ercia Aguila (Laguna), Frhyne Danan (Aklan), Frankie Manalo Say (San Juan), Ayra Costan Longsiab (Cordillera), Gladys Fernandez Ayuste (Davao de Oro), Cyrix Muyco (Iloilo), Xiotz Chiu (Davao City), and Carl Arcusa (Gen. Trias City)

EDOS: Where Innovation Meets Cultural Pride

EDOS by Ayra Costan Longsiab, a name synonymous with innovation and cultural pride, has redefined fashion boundaries yet again. Her collection is a testament to the enduring beauty of Igorot craftsmanship. Longsiab's designs, a captivating blend of traditional Inabel and contemporary silhouettes, have not only captivated audiences but also placed Igorot artistry on the global stage.

Longsiab's fashion journey mirrors the rich textures of the Cordilleran Inabel she champions. Her ready-to-wear pieces, infused with an ethnic touch, bridge the past and present. She makes the intricate tapestry of Igorot culture accessible to the modern wardrobe. With each collection, she weaves a narrative that ensures every garment transcends mere fashion, becoming a story of her heritage.

"Sabsabong": More Than Clothing

The presentation of the "Sabsabong" collection transcends mere clothing; it's a platform for the Cordillera people. It's a cultural revival through fashion. Longsiab's strategic choice of Igorot models from her homeland embodies the region's beauty and talent. It is a powerful declaration of the inherent versatility and undeniable global appeal of Igorot beauty.

This is more than fashion; it's a celebration-a symphony of heritage, innovation, and pride. CM

Photography by Glomark Pahignalo.

This article was written with the assistance of AI

Cordilleran Fashion, Culture, Beauty, and Lifestyle


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