Amid the rising trend of online shopping and the growing preference for mainstream fashion brands among Bicolanos, four (4) young student designers are placing local talent on a pedestal—celebrating fashion, design, and storytelling through every stitch.
Students from the Bicol University College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) are showcasing their culture, identity, and craftsmanship through a fashion exhibit at The Oriental Hotel in Legazpi, Albay.
Hailing from the Garments, Fashion, and Design program, seniors John Mark Razon, Zen Rodrigueza, and Steven Nathaniel Paquia, along with a sophomore, JB Riofrio, present original creations that celebrate the artistry and creativity of young Bicolano talents.
The young designers shared their artwork as they were invited to showcase their masterpiece; a talent needs to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
Through the event, the creativity and skill of student fashion designers were shown, giving them the opportunity to share their craft with fellow Bicolanos.
Stories in Every Stitch
It is not the first time the four individuals have created their craft; numerous fashion shows within their college and university and working on various projects and collaborations over the years have been their experience.
Outside academic events, they also accept commission work, bringing custom designs to life and continuously refining their craft.
In the exhibit, Zen Rodrigueza showcased “The Black Swan,” a commissioned piece requested.
It was designed to contrast his white modern barong suit, drawing inspiration from the black swan—an emblem of elegance and mystery.
Moreover, he also exhibited another piece, called “The Magenta Galaxy.” Given the galaxy theme, Rodrigueza chose magenta to challenge himself with bright hues for the first time.
Meanwhile, John Mark Razon infused his personal style—bold yet simple—putting a touch of his modern Filipina designs.
His piece “Ola de Estrellas” symbolizes the meeting of wave and star, where tradition and innovation meet at the same time.
Meanwhile, his other gown named “La Sombra Brillante” represents light born from darkness, embodying both fierceness and grace. It is a tribute to resilience and beauty found in adversity.
JB Riofrio presented “Hulya,” a modern Filipina named after his friend Julia Dela Torre.
He shared that his masterpiece is a reimagined classic black dress that reflects Julia’s elegance through a sleek silhouette, radiant beadwork, and dainty sleeve bows.
The piece is a heartfelt tribute to their friendship and Julia’s unwavering belief in JB’s talent—especially during moments of self-doubt.
Riofrio shared that “Hulya” is not just a design but a love letter to the people who continue to inspire him.
Furthermore, Steven Paquia’s piece reflects a meticulous process of design.
His preparation spanned two days, involving the careful selection of fabric, precise cutting, and sewing. A phase demanded significant time, focus, and precision due to the volume of beads and the limited timeframe. The result is an intricate garment that highlights both aesthetic appeal and technical discipline.
“I wanted to create something that feels roomy and relaxed but still makes a statement. For me, wearing oversized clothes isn’t just about style, it’s also about feeling comfortable and confident at the same time,” Paquia said.
Dazzling beads message
Each design in the exhibit stands out not just in appearance but in the emotion and inspiration stitched into every seam.
Rodriguez stated, It’s all about the wearer’s experience. “It’s a different level of fulfillment when you know your client feels more confident while wearing your design,” he shared. He also added that it is the feeling of empowering others through fashion that drives him to finish every piece with care and purpose.
Riofrio, on the other hand, views fashion as a persistent and passionate pursuit.
“Ideas and concepts haunt and chase me to realize them, so I do—and even with doubt, I always will because I love fashion design,” he expresses. For him, designing is more than a craft—it’s a commitment to turning visions into reality, even when confidence wavers.
Razon takes his designs with a deep desire to express his identity and personal growth as a designer.
Recalling that despite the time constraints and other commitments, he saw a chance to represent his craft, roots, and the passion he pours into every piece.
Lastly, Paquia has always been inspired by oversized and baggy silhouettes.
Viewers can see that influence clearly in the piece that I have submitted, from the loose, oversized top to the balloon-like shape of the bottom. Paquia emphasized that the style he made was natural to him; he enjoyed the process of bringing that idea to life in the design.
A call to ‘sew’pport Â
Every garment is more than just fabric—it is a story stitched with intention and identity.
Each piece on display reflects long hours of conceptualizing, sewing, and enduring the physical sacrifice of detailed craftsmanship.
A message that young designers are ready to be seen, celebrated, and taken seriously.
Razon hopes that when young dreamers see these creations, they’re inspired to write their own myths using fabric, needle, and thread.
“Let’s support the locals. It’s time for young designers like us to take space and receive the recognition we deserve. There’s so much talent within BUCIT that’s ready to be seen and celebrated,” Razon stressed.
To see and support their creations, the designers invite everyone to visit their fashion exhibit at The Oriental Legazpi, open from May 3 to 31, 2025.
An exhibit where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship come to life—brought together by the hands of future Filipino designers.I Alliah Jane Babila