Philippine Women Centre of B.C. and Sinag Bayan Arts Collective
Media Release

‘Fashion Show for the Masses’ Swept through Vancouver; Provoked
Patriotism and Solidarity

June 23, 2005

Vancouver, B.C. – Amidst the flashing lights and loud music, patriotic fervour and political solidarity was abundant at a fashion show catered for the masses held at Van East’s Russian Hall last weekend.

Philippine Independence: Re-Veiled, sponsored by the Philippine Women’s Centre (PWC) and the Sinag Bayan Cultural Arts Collective, to an audience of a 150 patrons, chronicled the Filipino people’s struggle for genuine independence through original avant-garde fashion, theatre and multi-media presentations. Using original poetry of Filipino revolutionaries such as the martyred Philippine hero, Emilio Jacinto and speeches from American figures such as President William McKinley and Senator Albert Beveridge, Philippine Independence: Re-Veiled proved to be a cohesive and intriguing event.

“The night was one of political education and the culture of resistance of the Filipino people,” explains PWC board member, Denise Valdecantos. “Philippine Independence: Re-Veiled was also a testimony of present Filipino people’s commitment for real independence in the Philippines. It brought together the Filipino community and, I hope, also collectively dignified who we are as a people,” said Valdecantos.

Philippine Independence: Re-Veiled was able to unleash the creativity of many members and volunteers of the Kalayaan Centre, a Filipino community centre based in the Downtown Eastside. Of the over 40 pieces on display, one included an elaborate rice terrace dress, an “American Treaty” dress modeled after the statue of Liberty and T-shirts dedicating courageous, yet often over-looked heroes such as Andres Bonifacio and Lorena Barros. Other stand-out designs included dresses illustrating the unspeakable period of the Martial Law era and outfits honouring the most recent human rights victims under the current presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“The Philippines has an epic history suffering and resistance. There was never any doubt or hesitancy from any of the designers and volunteers to compromise our politics and the current revolution in the Philippines for fluffy fashion and in the name of art for art’s sake,” said Valdecantos.

The fashion show was followed by an engaging discussion; questions and opinions ranged from creative process of the pieces to the current situation in the Philippines in regards to it being the second front in the war against terrorism. The discussion also delved into the recent development of the intensified international call for the removal of Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“We’re really happy with the result of the entire evening,” said Valdecantos. “We’re very proud that we were able to depict the Philippine Revolution of 1896, to be inspired by the resistance of the Filipino people so we can further organize and empower our migrant community” said Valdecantos.

For pictures of the Philippine Independence: Re-Veiled, please go to www.kalayaancentre.net
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