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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Fashion Exhibition 2025: Creativity Matters — A Fashion Show For A Cause

Last December 14, I had the privilege of attending Fashion Exhibition 2025: Creativity Matters, a meaningful fashion show for a cause in Davao City held at Felcris Centrale. I was invited to the event as my page, Anything About Davao, was chosen as one of the official social media influencer partners—an opportunity I truly appreciate and value.

As someone who loves fashion not only for its beauty but for the stories it tells, this event felt deeply personal. It reminded me that creativity becomes even more powerful when it is used to uplift others—this time, in support of Davao’s hardworking street sweepers.

Organized by Icon Elites Artist Management and led by creative director Pau Garcia, the show went beyond aesthetics. It carried a clear and heartfelt message: fashion can be both stylish and socially responsible.

THE TURN OVER

Fashion With a Purpose: Supporting Davao Street Sweepers

What truly set Fashion Exhibition 2025 apart was its advocacy. The event was dedicated to Davao’s street sweepers—the unsung heroes who keep our city clean every single day. Watching a fashion show rooted in gratitude and respect made the experience even more meaningful, especially knowing that creativity was being used to give back to the community.

Throughout the night, I felt that this was more than a runway event. It was a reminder that fashion has the power to give back, to acknowledge lives that are often overlooked, and to turn creativity into compassion.

Pau Garcia and Rey MNL Calajate

Rey Calajate’s Designs: Where Art Meets Wearability

The highlight of the evening was the stunning collection by fashion designer Rey Calajate. His designs immediately caught my attention—bold yet elegant, artistic yet wearable. Each piece showcased thoughtful construction, strong silhouettes, and details that reflected both confidence and creativity.

As the models walked the runway, it was clear that Rey Calajate’s work tells a story. The collection felt empowering, modern, and expressive without feeling distant. These were designs that celebrated individuality while remaining grounded in real-life fashion.

For me, this collection proved that local fashion designers continue to raise the bar with originality and craftsmanship.

The Runway Experience at Felcris Centrale

The choice of Felcris Centrale as the venue perfectly complemented the event. Its modern, open space created an intimate yet elevated atmosphere for the runway show. Surrounded by fellow creatives, fashion enthusiasts, and advocates—including members of the local media—the energy in the room felt warm and inspiring.

Every applause felt intentional—not just for the models or the designs, but for the cause behind the show. It was one of those events where you feel proud just to be present.

Why Fashion Events Like This Matter

Attending Fashion Exhibition 2025: Creativity Matters reinforced why I continue to support and cover local fashion events in Davao through Anything About Davao. When creativity is paired with purpose, it becomes impactful. Fashion stops being just visual—it becomes emotional, social, and meaningful.

By using fashion as a platform to support street sweepers, the event sent a powerful message: every role in our community matters and deserves recognition.

Fashion Exhibition 2025: Creativity Matters was more than a fashion show—it was a celebration of heart, creativity, and community. Kudos to Icon Elites Artist Management, creative director Pau Garcia, and designer Rey MNL Calajate for creating an event that beautifully merged advocacy with fashion.

Anything About Davao (Pal Raine) and Joric Adventure (Joric Tan & Vic Trazo)
Social Media Partners

Being part of this event as a social media influencer partner made the experience even more special and meaningful for me. It reaffirmed my belief that fashion is at its best when it tells a story, sparks emotion, and creates positive change. Truly, creativity matters—especially when it’s used for a cause.

Monday, April 14, 2025

Men in Skirts: Fashion, Freedom, and the Rise of Skirted Style in the Philippines

Who says skirts are only for women?

In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of fashion, Filipino youth are breaking boundaries—this time with skirts. From knee-length to ankle-grazing, long skirts are becoming a bold fashion statement for men. While kilts—a traditional garment from Scotland—often steal the spotlight in Western fashion discussions, here in the Philippines, it’s long, flowy skirts that are redefining men’s street style.

Skirt vs. Kilt: What’s the Difference?

To better understand this trend, it’s important to distinguish between a skirt and a kilt:

• Kilt: Traditionally worn by Scottish men, a kilt is a knee-length pleated garment made from tartan (plaid) fabric. It has a specific cultural and historical significance and is usually associated with Scottish heritage.

• Skirt: A more general term that refers to any lower-body garment that hangs from the waist and is not divided into legs. Skirts can vary in length, style, and fabric—and they are what most Filipino men are now embracing as part of modern fashion.

Here in the Philippines, long skirts—often plain, flowy, or pleated—are the trend among the youth. These aren’t necessarily cultural items like kilts, but rather fashion-forward pieces used to express individuality, style, and sometimes a social message.

Breaking Stereotypes

In a traditionally conservative country, seeing men in long skirts can still raise eyebrows. But for many, it’s not about challenging gender roles or questioning sexuality—it’s about freedom and expression. A common sentiment among wearers: “I’m straight, but I love how skirts make me feel. It's fashion—simple as that.”

This bold style move is gaining momentum among Gen Z, who are known for pushing the envelope when it comes to fashion, identity, and equality.

Their message is clear: fashion is freedom. And in that freedom lies creativity, confidence, and authenticity.

Street Style Spotting

During recent local events and online fashion content, kilts have appeared more frequently, styled with sneakers, oversized shirts, boots, or even barong-inspired tops. It’s the perfect blend of modern edge and cultural remix, making kilts uniquely Filipino in spirit.

Photo credit to Kiel the Great

The Influence of Kiel the Great

One of the most notable figures who helped spark this trend is Kiel the Great, a local personality whose viral Facebook post showed him confidently wearing a long skirt in public. His bold move quickly gained attention and inspired many young Filipinos to follow suit. The trend gained even more momentum through TikTok, where stylish videos of boys wearing skirts for fun—and fashion—began appearing across the platform.

What started as a single statement look is now a movement, encouraging men to redefine style norms.

“I saw this trend from a Korean idol, then I noticed Western influencers doing it too. Why not bring it here? It’s stylish, comfortable, and a statement,” shares Jigs, 22, a young stylist based in Pangasinan.

Rafael Romano on Expanding Fashion Narratives

I had the opportunity to interview (via chat) a Davao-based content creator and fashion stylist, Rafael Romano. Who has been a visible voice in promoting fashion freedom in Mindanao. When asked about the rising trend of men wearing skirts, he shared:

And yes, I agree with Rafael statement, that we need to be more open-minded. Fashion is not confined to gender. Skirts are not just for girls anymore—they're for everyone who dares to express themselves. And it isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about equality, acceptance, and the courage to challenge old norms.

What we're seeing now is a shift in perspective. More men are exploring clothing beyond binaries. And that's a good thing. It's not about being feminine or masculine—it’s about embracing who you are, and being confident in how you present yourself.

Photo credit to Rafael Romano

Romano also highlighted that Davao’s fashion scene has always had pockets of boldness, but social media helped amplify that creativity to a wider audience.

Where to Shop Skirts in the Philippines

If you’re looking to try this trend, here are a few local and online shops offering kilts or men’s skirts:

- Shopee, Lazada & TikTok – Search for “men’s kilt” or “fashion skirts for men”

- Thrift stores (Ukay-Ukay) – Find unique pleated skirts and repurpose them into statement pieces

- ZALORA PH – Occasionally carries designer-inspired styles for men

- Instagram-based shops like @SkirtsForAllPH or @PinoyUnisexStyle (follow for updates)

- Custom tailors – Have a skirt made using traditional or modern fabric of your choice

Tips for Styling Kilts

1. Balance the silhouette – Pair with a fitted or tucked-in top for structure

2. Layer it up – Add a jacket or long-sleeved shirt for dimension

3. Choose the right footwear – Boots, sneakers, or even sandals can elevate the look

4. Accessorize confidently – Try chunky necklaces, hats, or shades

5. Own it – Confidence is the ultimate style

Fashion in the Philippines is stepping into a new era—one where skirts on men aren’t just accepted, they’re celebrated. From viral posts to everyday wear, long skirts are becoming a symbol of freedom, creativity, and equality.

Whether you're wearing one for comfort, style, or self-expression, remember: fashion doesn’t care about gender—it only cares about confidence.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Miniso Tea Tree Hydrating Facial Cream: A Hidden Gem in Skincare?

When I walked into Miniso, my goal was simple—to buy an earplug, a U-shaped pillow, and an earphone. But to my surprise, I received a free Miniso Tea Tree Hydrating Facial Cream. At first, I was hesitant to use it. After all, how does Miniso, known for its affordable lifestyle products, have a skincare line? It took me some time to even consider trying it, mainly because I couldn’t find any blog articles or in-depth reviews about it.

Curious, I checked Miniso’s official websites from different countries and discovered that they do, in fact, sell skincare products. It seems their skincare line is quite underrated and not as well-known as their other products. Given that I regularly review beauty products, I finally decided to give it a try. After using the Miniso Tea Tree Hydrating Facial Cream for about a month, here’s what I found.

First Impressions

Upon opening the jar, the cream has a pleasant scent—fresh and light. However, the fragrance doesn’t linger for long, which is great for those who prefer mild-scented skincare. The texture immediately reminded me of the Bioskin Aqua Gel Cream that I use for hydrating my face and body. It has a smooth, gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

Performance & Benefits

After a month of consistent use, I can say that this hydrating cream does its job well. If you already have an established skincare routine, this product can be a great addition. It provides a boost of hydration, leaving the skin feeling plump and firm. One unexpected benefit is that it also works as a good primer. It holds makeup longer, creating a smooth canvas for foundation application. My skin feels bouncier, more radiant, and definitely hydrated throughout the day.

Miniso’s Tea Tree Hydrating Facial Cream might not be a mainstream skincare product, but it certainly deserves more recognition. If you’re looking for a lightweight, hydrating cream that doubles as a primer, this could be a great option to try. While I was initially skeptical, this product pleasantly surprised me with its effectiveness. Perhaps Miniso’s skincare line is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Customized Gift Ideas to Strengthen Your Connection

Giving gifts is more than just exchanging presents. It’s also a powerful way to show connection, appreciation and love. Usually, the most memorable gifts are the ones that carry sentimental value. And that remind the recipient of special and share moments, and of course the unique bond between both.

Store-bought presents will always be nice, but they often lack personal touch. And personal touch makes a gift truly meaningful. And this is the moment for customized gifts to shine. You can be celebrating Mother’s Day, birthdays or even just a way to express gratitude. Personalized gifts will show thoughtfulness in a way generic item can’t. They’ll create a lasting connection between you and your loved one.

Personalized gifts and how they strengthen bonds

Customized gifts are not just about adding names or dates. They are all about creating something that is deeply personal. They can reflect memories, inside jokes and even messages that only you both understand. All of this is what makes them special.

When you are gifting personalized gifts, you are giving an experience and not only an item. A thoughtfully customized piece carries emotional connection, which will make the other person feel loved, valued and seen.

Brightening up spaces with a personal touch

Meaningful can go beyond fashion and into home décor. A good example of how a personalized item can add sentiment and warmth into a space is with custom night lights. They can be engraved with photos, quotes and names. And they’ll create a beautiful and functional piece, which is a daily reminder of love.

Mothers might cherish night lights that glow with a picture of their children. Spouses may like one that features a special date or a message. And unlike generic decorations, custom night lights will transform the room into more intimate and personal spaces.

The beauty of these gifts is that they are practical and also deeply emotional. When the light illuminates the room softly, it will bring comfort and remind the recipient of the bond you both share.

Wearable comfort that has personal meaning

If we want gifts that strengthen connections, clothes will always play an important tole. Perfect examples of gifts that combine sentimental value, style and warmth are custom embroidered hoodies. Instead of a regular sweatshirt, embroidery allows to add a personalized touch. You can add initials, important dates, even special phrases. All of these should hold meaning between you and the recipient.

Moms will love receiving hoodies that have their children’s name embroidered or with a message. It isn’t a piece of clothing anymore; it will be wearable reminder of the love that surrounds them.

The best about them is their versatility. They can be casually styled for everyday wear. Or they can be used as a cozy layer on chilly days. They can also be worn during relaxation moments. The recipient will always have a little piece of you with them, no matter where they wear it.

Celebrating love with thoughtful gifts

Special occasions, like Mother’s Day, give you the chance to go beyond traditional gifts and create something that is uniquely meaningful. For example, personalized Mother's Day gifts allow you to express your gratitude in a way that is unforgettable and deeply personal.

Instead of giving a standard present. You should consider customizing a gift that reflects the personality of your love one and all your cherished memories. You can give them clothing items, home décor or even scrapbooks with heartfelt messages. The effort you put into customization will make all the difference.

One of the most touching ways to personalize a gift for Mother’s Day is by incorporating elements of nostalgia. You can add a childhood drawing and turn it into embroidery. A letter engraved into jewelry. Even a voice message that is transformed into a soundwave into a blanket. All these little details will transform ordinary gift into something quite extraordinary.