At the recent Bambanti Festival in the Province of Isabela, I returned to Ilagan City to serve once more as a judge at Queen Isabela 2026, a pageant that has become a significant showcase of regional artistry and design. Held at the Grand Arena, the competition brought together candidates from towns and municipalities across the province, each presenting a creative attire conceived by some of the most promising designers in this part of the archipelago.
The designers themselves were also very much part of the competition. Their creations were evaluated not only for visual impact but for workmanship, elegance, and originality—criteria that underscore the growing seriousness of fashion as a cultural expression in Isabela.
One by one, the candidates took to the stage in gowns inspired by royalty, channeling the stately imagination of Queen Isabela. The silhouettes were grand, marked by voluminous fabrics, dense beadwork, and meticulously assembled headdresses that completed each look. As they walked the pasarela, the candidates demonstrated both poise and discipline, navigating the weight and complexity of their gowns before a packed audience.
Judges were provided with detailed scoring sheets, and deliberations reflected both objective standards and professional discretion. As a designer myself, I paid particular attention to how a candidate carried her creative attire: her ease of movement, her command of the gown, and her ability to project elegance despite the scale and weight of the piece. A well-made gown may take months to complete, but it is only fully realized when the wearer gives it life onstage.
Many of the designs on display were nothing short of regal. Royalty, after all, is often best expressed through excess—of craftsmanship, of imagination, of detail. Yet to truly stand apart required something more elusive: freshness. It was this quality, combined with composure and grace, that ultimately distinguished the evening’s standouts.
Eleni Athina Domingo of San Mateo, whose carriage evoked the effortless glide of a swan, was awarded Best in Creative Attire among the candidates. Her performance exemplified the harmony between wearer and design that the category demands.
The distinction for Best Queen Isabela Creative Attire, meanwhile, went to designer Kennedy Jhon Gaspar, whose gown for Queen Echague was recognized for its elegance and distinctive vision. The piece stood out for its refined execution and originality, affirming Kennedy’s place among the province’s rising design talents.
Isabela has long taken pride in its cultural heritage, and evenings such as this reaffirm that the province also abounds in beauty and talent—both on the runway and behind the seams. Until the next fashion escape. Bisou, bisou.
Dong Omaga-Diaz is an internationally-acclaimed designer, mentor, and creative force whose thoughtful eye and quiet elegance have guided countless young creatives. Whether in the atelier or the audience, he brings clarity, care, and just the right amount of drama to everything he touches.
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