ECOUTURE: Green Design for a Better World

October 18, 2014 marked the 3rd year of Green Fashion Evolution, the brainchild of a group of Aboitiz scholars during the Aboitiz Scholars' CSR Summit in December 2011 and was then first staged in 2012. The activity highlights the importance of of the 3Rs- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - as it challenged competing students from colleges and universities across Metro Cebu to create clothing, footwear, and accessories that make use of recycled materials.
The Aboitiz Foundation set out to discover couture ingenuity among Cebu's talented with the fashion show held at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Participants this year are from Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Cebu Normal University, University of San Carlos, and the University of the Philippines Cebu.
Having the seen the designs first hand and front row, i cannot help but feel an everwhelming sense of joy as the models sashayed down the runway in what seemed to be a united effort of students from different universities to help save the environment. It is just heartwarming to know that Aboitiz Foundation is making a conscious effort to do well by doing good and with that, staging fashion design competitions such as this one that showcase not only a strong camaraderie among colleges and universities but also celebrate young Cebuanos' talent and creativity.
Each collection stood out on its own but none as good as those from the University of the Philippines, who is this year's champion. the construction, aesthetic and overall design concept was carefully thought of and it really showed. Congratulations to this year's winners!

Champion: University of the Philippines

1st runner-up: Cebu Institute of Technology

2nd runner-up: University of San Carlos

Best Clothing Design: UP

Best Accessories Design: CIT-U

Best Bag Design: USC

Best Footwear Design: USC

Best Male Model: Dan Valentin D. Escasinas (CIT-U, #3)

Best Female Model: Sarah Jay Burlat (CIT-U, #10)

Prior to the fashion show proper, I, together with other Cebu bloggers, attended the Bloggers' Circle Spree which was held at the Feria, Radisson Blu. We were welcomed by Ms. Malou Marasigan, AVP-Sustainability, Corporate Branding & Communication where she shared Aboitiz Foundation's Vision, Mission, and the 3 program components that their company focuses on: Education, Enterprise Development, and Environment.