Eco-fashion show, ginang ng tahanan tilt highlight end of Women’s Month

By JG Fianza and Alpha May Patacsil

BAGUIO CITY -- After three years of restricted gatherings, the 35th Women’s month this year ended in a celebratory mood, with a colorful fashion show to cap the day on March 31 at  Pedro Dumol Hall, Benguet Electric Cooperative  compound.
    The culminating program was through the efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Federation headed by Lolita Castro, and other concerned agencies.    
    Rep. Marquez Go and wife Soledad Go, Councilor Lilia Farinas representing Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Carmen Bayquen representing Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda graced the 7th Ina: Ginang ng Tahanan 2023 and Eco Fashion show with the presence of CSWD Officers Liza Bulayungan and Myrna Valencerina; with other local officials, in an audience jam-packed venue.
    Estella Fesway of Quezon Hill proper is Ginang ng Tahanan 2023, with her court; Gng Loida Soriano (N. Sanitary Camp), Gng. Kapayapaan Judy Barona (Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp), Gng. Kalinisan Ursula Maranes (Mines View), Gng. Kaunlaran Clarita Joseph (East Quirino hill), Gng. Kasaganahan Genevie Calatan (M. Quirino Hill). They won from 42 contenders.
    According to KALIPI president Castro, the Ginang ng Tahanan competition started in 2010 as a skills and talents showcase, as well as fund-raising where the KALIPI federation and barangay shared profits.
    The gathered funds were used for upcoming activities as solicitation was avoided, Castro said.      Along with Ginang ng Tahanan 2023 is the Eco-Fashion show featuring fashionable attires and accessories of 31 ladies, from recycled materials: umbrella ribs, jute sack, colored tiger grass, plastics and straw, chipped metal decorations, crocheted plastic bag, painted egg crates, wood shavings, throw away fork and spoons, woven rugs, discarded bubble wraps, waste paper and dried banana leaves.
    Judges for the show are fashion critics Sonny Ticwala, Genia Paleo and Rose Wasan with the criteria: stage presence – 30%, costume – 30%, creativity and originality – 40%.
    Judy Barona topped the contest with her recyclable attire; with Rosie Canal of Camp 8 as first runner-up; Analyn Cosape of Pinget, Roma Grace Mendoza of Camp 7, Cristine Jane Bajan of Gabriela Silang as runner-ups.
    The congressman and councilors all exhorted the women to be their best and shine amidst life’s adversities. Women share the foundation in the family, are light-bearers and guides, and the very essence of life, they collectively said.