Rebuilding Lives, One Piña Fiber At A Time

By Asia Americana

June 11, 2015 Benefit Gala Event Celebrated Philippine Design, Textiles and Fashion to benefit families recovering from Typhoon Haiyan

Aklan Piña MANTRA, representing women in fiber production microenterprise in Aklan, Philippines, suffered a tremendous setback when Super Typhoon Haiyan devastated piña (pineapple) plantings in November 2013. These women are determined to rebuild their livelihoods while reigniting interest in the indigenous piña fiber, and they need help.

One of their staunchest partners in promoting this advocacy is the “Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion,” Patis Tesoro. On 11 June 2015, the US-Philippines Society, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. showcased Tesoro’s creative works at the “Gala Evening Celebrating Philippine Design, Textiles and Fashion” for the benefit of Aklan Pina MANTRA.

“Aklan fiber microenterprises provide invaluable service for the continuation of the high artistry and glamor that defines the Filipiniana. The benefit gala also reminds us that these small businesses, which are long recognized to be integral to the breathtaking quality of Philippine design and fashion, are also a source of livelihood for many of our kababayans in the Visayas,” Tesoro remarked.

The evening cultural show, which took place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., opened with an exhibit and reception at the Atrium at 7:15 pm followed by the fashion show at 8:15 pm in the Atrium Hall.