Anticipation builds as we look forward to Precious of Malaysia Cultural Fashion Week 2025, an event that promises to showcase the vibrant and diverse fashion heritage.
Six Filipino designers stole the spotlight at the Precious of Malaysia Cultural Fashion Week 2025, held August 17 at TRX Menara Affin in Kuala Lumpur. Competing in this Asian fashion competition 2025 against designers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei, the Philippine contingent captured six of the 12 awards—a resounding statement of Filipino creativity and professionalism.
The event, produced by Jonathan Kok and Michail Farrel, was designed to bring Asian garments from “costume” to mainstream fashion. Each of the 25 participating designers presented a six-piece collection—four womenswear and two menswear—honoring heritage while embracing global wearability. Spotlights swept the runway, fabrics shimmered beneath the lights, and applause rippled as stories were told in silk, embroidery, and denim.
Filipino Winners and Their Collections
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Russ Cuevas, Pasig City – Grand Prize Winner
Cuevas’s collection, Paz at Igme, was a quiet triumph of modernity and tradition. He fused maong denim with piña, embroidered in sulihiya-inspired patterns. Under the lights, the piña caught a golden sheen, reinforcing the quiet elegance of his silhouettes. “My fashion statement doesn’t scream—it whispers,” Cuevas said. “Refinement speaks louder than spectacle.” -
Steven Genzola, Silay City – Best Collection Award
Genzola drew from Negrense artistry, pairing fluid textiles with sharp tailoring. His pieces balanced heritage craftsmanship with contemporary cuts, reflecting Silay’s blend of old-world grace and modern refinement. -
Tresh Verne Asis, Misamis Oriental – Global Cultural Inspiration Award
Asis infused her garments with Mindanaoan motifs and bold textures, giving local craft a cosmopolitan edge. Her determination was striking: when Dong interviewed her for the team, she was under medical treatment in the hospital but insisted on pursuing her spot. -
Gil Macaibay III, Cagayan de Oro – Excellent Inspiring Designer Award
A veteran of Mindanao fashion, Macaibay delivered dramatic silhouettes and daring proportions. His work was fearless, embodying the energy of a designer unafraid to experiment while honoring cultural roots. -
Ushi Sato, North Cotabato – Uplifting Traditional Designer Award
Sato reimagined tribal elements into urban-ready streetwear, proving ancestral inspirations can find relevance in everyday life. -
Jeremiah Cortez, Bago City – 1st Runner-Up
The youngest of the group, Cortez impressed with his menswear tailoring. For him, even reaching Kuala Lumpur was a triumph: it was his first time abroad, and immigration officers grilled him for 45 minutes before letting him through. His clean, versatile pieces spoke of quiet confidence.
Mentorship With a Mission
Behind this sweep was National Director Dong Omaga-Diaz, who led the team from selection to runway. Chosen just 2.5 months before the finals, he quickly opened a national call and screened applicants rigorously.
“When I was chosen to lead, I didn’t ask if I would be paid or what I would get in return,” Dong said. “I immediately said yes because so many aspiring Filipino designers—especially from the regions—were waiting for a chance to shine. They are like gold waiting to be polished.”
The journey wasn’t without twists. Two original team members who had passed the eliminations backed out at the same time. Their exit opened the way for Gil Macaibay III and Tresh Verne Asis to join the contingent—designers who would later prove it was their destiny by clinching awards on the international stage.
Through workshops and mentoring, Dong prepared the finalists not just to compete but to grow. “I never demanded they win,” he explained. “My goal was to teach professionalism, discipline, and teamwork. The awards were secondary.”
The Emotional Finale
The Malaysia Cultural Fashion Week 2025 brought together models and stylists of many nationalities, including two proud Filipinos who made the trip at their own expense: exclusive Philippine model Anna Marie Rebucas of Cagayan de Oro and official hair and makeup stylist Marina Canque of Butuan City. Both came to Kuala Lumpur pro bono, simply because they wanted to help. Their generosity underscored the spirit of bayanihan that defined the Philippine contingent.
Photographer Roger Lactao of CDO also traveled to Kuala Lumpur at his own expense and offered his services pro bono, capturing the images that now tell the story of the team’s journey. His presence added another quiet but powerful layer of solidarity.
Backstage, the atmosphere was tense and frantic. The Philippine team, already carrying the weight of being last year’s awardees, had so much on their shoulders. Though both our team members last year were recognized with special awards, they were not grand prize winners. That distinction remained elusive, and the pressure to reach it was palpable.
As the awards were announced, Dong grew tense. “When Jeremiah was named first runner-up, Russ was the only one left from our team. I prayed he would not be left behind,” he recalled.
Moments later, the hall erupted as Russ Cuevas was declared Grand Prize winner.
“Seeing their work come to life gave me jitters,” Dong admitted. “I knew the hopes behind every piece. Backstage, we ended with a tearful prayer of gratitude.”
Beyond the Awards
Many of the finalists received modest support from their local governments. Their victories, in turn, became a source of pride for their communities—proof that regional talent can stand tall on the international stage.
For Dong, the challenge now is preparing for next year. “It’s a large shoe to fill, but I’ll always say yes. My satisfaction comes from helping designers realize their dreams. I was once a dreamer myself—today, my dream is to weave theirs into reality.”
Six trophies, six stories, one nation’s pride. From Kuala Lumpur to the world, Filipino fashion designers in Malaysia have arrived.
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