Last May 23, 2025, I received my official appointment as National Director of the Philippines for the Precious Malaysia Fashion Week—a prestigious annual fashion event held in Kuala Lumpur, produced by the well-respected FM Group of Malaysia.
This marks the start of my personal mission: to search for young, promising Filipino fashion designers who will make up the national team representing our country at the competition this August 2025. The event’s official Instagram account provides updates and highlights: @precious_of_malaysia
A Flashback to 2024: Our First Try
The first time the FM Group invited the Philippines to participate was just last year. Maybe they had heard about our strong performances at Asia Fashion Week, where we consistently brought home major awards. Sadly, that event halted after the pandemic—but a new opportunity opened up.
The 2024 invitation came abruptly. I had only 25 days to build a national team and produce a full collection for the grand finals at the TRX in Kuala Lumpur. It was a race against time.
I sent out calls to a few young designers already on my radar and to others recommended from all over the country. Many were invited—but only two young creatives answered the call.
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Klevin Bartolaba from Butuan City, Mindanao
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Ryan Salazar Lopez from Aklan, Visayas
I asked them to submit designs that proudly reflected our identity as Filipinos. We went through a whirlwind of rejections and revisions, pushing each other to refine the vision. I mentored them to create a five-piece collection that told a story of culture—but one that was globally adaptive. Cohesiveness was key. We wanted our Asian neighbors to understand the narrative we were telling as a nation.
Two Designers. Two Awards. One Proud Country.
Last year was special—it was our first try at Precious Malaysia Fashion Week. And despite just 25 days of preparation, our little contingent brought home not one, but two of the most coveted awards.
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Ryan Salazar Lopez won Best Traditional Designer
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Klevin Bartolaba was named Most Talented Designer of the Year
We came to raise our flag, and we finished with pride and honor. What a way to debut.
The Search Begins Again: Be Part of Team Philippines 2025
This year, we’re opening the search for young Filipino designers—aged 25 to 45—to join Team Philippines for the grand finals in Kuala Lumpur this August.
Designers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are all welcome to apply. If you’ve got the creativity, the courage, and the vision to carry our culture onto the world stage, now is your time.
Let this journey enrich you. Represent your region. Represent the nation. Together, let’s raise our flag again in Malaysia.
Also read Calling Filipino Designers: It’s Your Turn to Shine on Asia’s Cultural Stage
Application Details:
Deadline: June 8, 2025
Email: diazano28@gmail.com
Messenger: Dong Omaga-Diaz
Mobile: 0917 854 6649 / 0968 443 1003
In the meantime… stay inspired, stay in fashion, and stay true.
We’re getting ready to fight for our reign at the Asian stage.
Bisou Bisou! 💋
Check Last years event on Filipino Fashion Designers Dazzle at Precious of Malaysia International Cultural Fashion Week 2024.
