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For its ninth edition, Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW) took place in Manila
In its fourth iteration, the Marriott Moments A-Fair experienced a magnificent transformation with the launch of the “Luxuriant Expo” concept. Signifying opulence and abundance, it lived up to the expectation of a unique exposition. From weddings to gatherings, as well as fashion and arts, all that is splendid about living came together at one expansive location — the MGBX Exhibition Hall of the Manila Marriott Hotel.
This year marked the advent of a tripartite collaboration with esteemed brands in hospitality, weddings, and special occasions, featuring Marriott Bonvoy, the most distinguished hospitality and lifestyle program globally; Themes & Motifs, the foremost bridal fair organizer in the Philippines since 2001; along with the vibrant Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) from Canada.
The landmark event, “Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo and the 9th Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW),” convened the finest suppliers for weddings and events. Additionally, it showcased the creations of both imported and exported world-class visual and literary artists at the “inclusive venue,” MGBX Exhibition Hall in the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the most prominent hotel-based MICE facility currently operating in the country, serving as their official platform.
The A-Fair has garnered attention as a display of the pinnacle of Filipino creativity. CIFAW, on the other hand, serves as an international tribute to fashion and a forum for networking, education, and discussions about trends, inclusivity, and the future of the fashion sector. Both fashion platforms strive to inspire and exhibit creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers, stylists, models, photographers, and journalists.
The 9th Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week introduced a novelty — the Philippine Fashion Weekend — hosted at the Manila Marriott Hotel on July 26 and July 27, 2025. Under the theme, “Home,” the ninth CIFAW aspires to motivate every Filipino to take pride in their heritage and in the place we cherish as home — the Philippines.
DESIGNERS’ SHOWCASE ON DAY 1
On July 26, the inaugural day of the Luxuriant Expo, fashion creators Maliyah Abenir and Odelon Simpao, along with the fashion label SCI PH, showcased their newest collections.
MALIYAH ABENIR
A proud transgender Filipino-Canadian creator, Maliyah, 31, originated from Imus, Cavite, and was brought up in Canada. She commenced designing garments at the age of 16 during her high school years. Maliyah graduated with a degree in Fashion Business and Design from JCI Institute in Vancouver, and also studied Fashion Techniques and Design at George Brown College in Toronto.
Her collection for CIFAW, a futuristic reinterpretation of historical military uniforms, is titled “Redemption Denym 2025.”
“I drew significant inspiration from the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 1970s. My theme this year is ‘To Be Your Own Soldier.’ You are the soldier in your own life, so you must fight. I faced numerous struggles with mental well-being and hit a low point. I had to muster every bit of energy left to endure and confront my inner battles, and when you are your own soldier, you must do what it takes to rise again and triumph,” Maliyah articulates.
ODELON SIMPAO
As a part of his 40th birthday festivities, Cagayan de Oro-born Odelon recently unveiled his latest bridal collection. His participation in CIFAW closely follows this milestone.
His CIFAW collection pays tribute to his beloved mother:
“The name of my collection is ‘Susanne.’ My mother’s name is Susan, and she is the inspiration behind this collection. Her tenderness and delicacy embody the emotion of the collection. Yet simultaneously, I wish to highlight her resilience and industrious nature, showcased through the particulars and manipulation of fabrics I incorporate. I presented varying silhouettes and shapes, along with some innovative techniques and fabric transformations while preserving that classic and timeless aesthetic.”
SCIPH
Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) was established by Filipino-Canadians Limuel Vilela, President and CEO, executive producer/designer/director and former model; and COO/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia, an aviation specialist and educator.
For the CIFAW presentation, SCIPH unveiled a collection titled “Unspoken: The Silhouette of Home.”
“It serves as a subtle homage to the elegance of simplicity and the solace of returning to one’s origins. The collection delved into the unvoiced language of fabric, form, and familiarity — creating an ambiance where every line resonated with the softness of belonging, and each piece subtly narrated the tale of home,” Francia expressed.
Vilela expounded further: “This collection was grounded in quiet assurance — an embodiment of those who lead not with volume, but with presence. The silhouettes were sleek, structured, and sophisticated: halter gowns adorned with sculptural bows, off-shoulder drapes highlighting the collarbone, and contemporary tailoring that respected traditions while advancing forward.”
DAY 1 ACCOLADES
FUMIYA SANKAI: ARTIST OF THE YEAR
During the Luxuriant Expo, Fumiya Sankai was honored with the title of “9th CIFAW Artist of the Year.” This coincided with his exhibition at the Marriott in collaboration with Themes and Motifs and One Gallery named “Hum Art,” which utilizes his unique artistic style to convey feelings of love, joy, and childlike wonder.
His raw execution in aesthetics aimed to capture the unguarded strokes of youth: bold, somewhat impetuous, with no concern for judgment. His artistry draws deep inspiration from early memories of watching his father sketch hand-drawn posters for their family business.
Similar to the general ambiguity present in his works, his name reflects a harmonious variety of interpretations. It can symbolize the act of humming to a delightful melody, reveling in the beauty of existence, simply relaxing, or the humility of someone who has attained great heights of achievement.
MAYUMI CRUZ: AUTHOR AND ARTIST
Mayumi Cruz is a weaver of narratives through words and visuals — bound by creativity, inspired by everything. Whether through storytelling or visual art, she formulates pieces that…
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stimulate, incite contemplation, and showcase the elegance of imaginative liberty.
At the Luxuriant Expo, Cruz unveiled her latest book, Gio and the Tailor’s Chalk. This captivating Young Adult fantasy intertwines time travel, folklore, and heartbreaking sacrifice. After learning about his father’s demise and the robbery of a potent magical heirloom, teenage tikbalang Gio del Mundo must venture to 1820 to thwart a lethal witch coven and reclaim his fate. With the lives of his people — and his very being — in jeopardy, Gio is faced with an unanswerable question: What are you willing to sacrifice to set the world right?
DESIGNERS’ SHOWCASE ON DAY 2
JOHN ABLAZA
Starting at the tender age of 7, John began crafting dresses at home — for his sister’s dolls. Throughout his 40-year journey in the fashion industry, he has participated in numerous shows and earned international acclaim in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Arizona, New York, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary. He has also showcased his work in Paris, Milan, and Madrid.
John named his CIFAW collection “Elements de la Nature” (“Elements of Nature”), clarifying:
“I continually draw inspiration from my surroundings, the splendor of the outdoors, the melodious singing of birds, vibrant butterflies, flourishing green trees, azure ocean, and gently lapping waves. I presented uncomplicated silhouettes, flowing lines, and distinct patterns. I utilized various textiles sourced from Dubai, Zimbabwe, France, and the Philippines. My collection was segmented into four parts. Employing a color scheme of beige, white, brown, and black, I displayed creations from my partnerships with the Mangyan of Mindoro, Philippines.”
KENNY LADAGA
Kenny, 38, is now in his 15th year in the fashion world. He specializes in custom wedding gowns and evening dresses. He is also recognized for crafting tailored suits and barong Tagalog for distinguished events.
For CIFAW, Kenny’s collection is titled “Les Fleurs: The Pastel Collection”:
“Inspired by a homage to contemporary romance — a bridal collection that reimagines wedding elegance with simplicity, softness, and exquisite details. My range features a subtle beauty of lavender, blush pink, and beige, with each garment created with understated elegance and embellished with delicate floral appliqué. The shapes transcend traditional ball gowns, adopting sleek silhouettes, ethereal layers, and effortless draping that resonate with the modern bride.”
JAKI PEÑALOSA
Regarded as the matriarch of Ilonggo fashion, Jaki has received numerous esteemed accolades, including the Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Culture and Arts) award in 2017, the Galing Ilonggo Awards in 2013, and the 10 Outstanding Women in Iloilo (TOWIL) award, acknowledging her significant impact in promoting Iloilo City’s hablon textiles to both national and international audiences.
Jaki’s CIFAW collection drew from the people who include her in their unforgettable ceremonies:
“I crafted pieces that allow one to embody their heritage. I developed a collection that brightly exhibits both the delicate and strong, resilient aspects of women through the outlines of my design. I selected neutral and earthy tones to accentuate the importance of Philippine craftsmanship through the techniques of embroidery, callado, and indigenous hand-woven textiles in my range.”
For additional details about Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo, please reach out to Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, 2 Resorts Drive, Newport World Resorts, NCR — 4th District, Barangay 183, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines; 28988-9999; MarriottHotelManila@marriott.com and www.manilamarriott.com; Themes & Motifs Bridal Fairs and Special Events Expo through https://themesmotifs.com, +63917-522-0707; and Calgary International Fashion & Arts Week via info@scimodels.ca and http://www.scimodels.ca/.
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