MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Through art expression, the Filipina artists featured in the five-day event “BABAE! An All Women Fashion and Art Revolution” are geared towards one goal: empowering the strength of women around the world.
Kicked off last March 23, 2023, BABAE exhibited artworks of various Filipina artists from different backgrounds and industries in the event center of Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Displayed for sale, 30% of the proceeds were for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in BJMP General Trias City. Collections featured the masterpieces of:
- Trey Sicille – Young Filipina Artist
- Evangeline Pascual – Socialite, Multimedia Personality, Organic Farmer, and Radio Host
- Zarina Krishna – Young Filipina Artist, Upcoming Singer, and TV/Movie Personality
- Andrea Del Rosario – TV and Movie Director, Fine Arts Graduate
- Elizabeth Oropesa – TV and Movie Actor
- Mickey Ferriols – TV and Movie Actor
- Connie Sison – Radio and TV News Anchor
- Lotlot De Leon – Award-Winning TV and Movie Actor
- Mari Zhar – Celebrity Writer, Fashion and Jewelry Designer
- Shelly Calvo – Filipina Artist based in Guam
Walk Kawther M Modeling Agency’s CEO Kawther Malaika welcomed all the guests and VIPs for the event’s culminating activity by delivering the message of Sta. Rosa City Mayor Hon. Arlene Arcillas. Made possible by Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, Digital Silver Lining, and 2Lives Creatives, with food and refreshments from Zephania’s Events and Catering Services, the culminating day witnessed words of gratitude and empowerment from successful women who defied the odds thrown to them by the stereotypes and patriarchal society.
“Hindi ka babae lang, babae ka” (You are not just a woman, you are a woman) signals the strength of femininity and how important the role of women in society is.
CEO of Digital Silver Lining, Celebrity Mom, Lifestyle Writer, and Human Rights Advocate Mari Zhar shared her ups and downs in juggling careers while performing the duties of wife and mother. The same message was also shared by Miss Leslie Ann Uy, Founder and Owner of Cornerstones8 Realty Corporation and CEO of Cala Cosmetics. Growing up in a Chinese and predominantly patriarchal culture, the family’s focus was more on the men of their clan. Now, both are successful businesswomen, they stressed the importance of becoming boundless and striving to grow against the limits set to them by society.
Women’s Rights Advocate, Trial Lawyer, and Educator Atty. Rowena Soriano also delivered a message of affirmation to all women as right and duty holders in society. She welcomed everyone to work hand in hand in creating a generation of empowered citizens by education and empathy.”
Featured Artist Shelly Calvo, who was nominated as US Ambassador to the Philippines for President Biden’s administration in December of 2020, and Andrea del Rosario, TV/Movie Actor and Director, expressed their inspirations in creating masterpieces and how these became their reflections of womanhood. Miss World 2018 2nd Princess and first Filipina to win Miss Tourism Worldwide 2018, Zara Carbonell also graced the event through her words of wisdom, especially for young girls.
By inspiring other Filipinas, BABAE became a platform to be of help to victims of injustice and poverty. Jail Senior Inspector Capt. Liza Valentino, Female Warden-Gen. Trias City Jail and BJMP Warden Major Bryan Villaester expressed their gratitude to the event’s organizers and supporters for supporting the brothers and sisters in BJMP.
Presented also in the culminating event is the passion for fashion of Elsie Delos Reyes and Lourice Calma through a runway of their design collections modeled by the young and rising talents of Walk Kawther M Modeling Agency. Elsie is a known female Filipino designer, dressmaker, pattern drafter, and hairstylist and one of the most sought-after designers for fashion shows, pageantries, TV shows, and other events. Lourice is a premiere couture designer and businesswoman. A multi-awarded fashion designer, she has graced various fashion shows and events and dressed high-level personalities. Fueled by her heart for fashion, her designs are for every woman of size, color, age, and status.
Filmmaker and artist Direk Mac Nero hosted the event festivities, together with other 2Lives Creatives Board of Directors: Executive Producer and CEO Marga Peralta and Event Director/Organizer, VP for Marketing and External Affairs Ric Osita.
BABAE’s exhibit officially closed on March 27, 2023. Aside from the exhibited artworks, handicrafts from BJMP inmates were also sold throughout the event. The five-day event was made possible by the partnership of Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, Digital Silver Lining and2Lives Creatives and sponsored by Zephaniah’s Events and Catering Services, Konsulta MD, Dilmah, Cala Cosmetics and Cornerstone 8, Beans Adventures Coffee, Delfa’s, Hillarya Balloons, P-Charge, and our Media Partners; adobo Magazine, Experience Travel and Living, Village Pipol, S1gnseeds, Vloggers Association, Passion.Fashion.Trends., Manila Bulletin and Women’s Fitness. The fund-raising event is for the benefit of the brothers and sisters in BJMP General Trias City.
