Brasilipinas: Rio in Manila

Last March 4, I was supposed to Attend the RISQ Fashion Competition, which I’ve been promoting on my blog. Unfortunately, a day before the event, I learned that it had been cancelled. There have been too much emotions expressed at this unprofessional incident, so I will not burden you with any more. Instead, below is an official press release of what happened.

Official Letter from Ideal Events

 

RISQ Grand Summer Fashion Show Cancelled.

The RISQ Grand Summer Fashion Show will not push through this March 4, 2011 at the World Trade Center. Indios Bravos Multimedia, the producers of the event, has finally pulled the plug on the project two days prior to the show.  Indios Bravos Multimedia President and CEO, Kristine Soguilon was not available for comment.

 

RISQ was indeed a grand plan to bring ten of the top fashion design students into the limelight with an extravagant fashion show. The show could have been the “Fashion Show of the Year” through the artful direction and management of the country’s top director and production team, not to mention the participation of the country’s top-notched artists. RISQ had a powerhouse cast and production team lined up.

Asked to comment on the cancellation, Cristina Guerrero, managing director of Ideal Events International, a 2010 Inspiring Young Filipino Entrepreneur awardee said, “We designed a powerhouse production team for RISQ and were able to bring everything within the discussed budget. It was a surprise to us that the production team was having problems with the checks they received from the producer.”

Carlo Guerrero of Ideal Events International expressed his disappointment about the spate of bad checks and the runaround they were given when it came to keeping up with the payment schedule.  Guerrero said, “We are still trying to get in touch with the producer to find out how they intend to settle for damages.  Another concern we have right now is how to reward all the hard work the students have put into this event. We’re hoping that things will be resolved soon and that everyone involved will be duly compensated.”

Thank God for SOFA, who immediately took action. My friend, Dan, who was a RISQ participant, was given her own set at Brasilipinas, a fashion show happening that same night for the Brazilian Embassy. And as luck would have it, her collection perfectly fit the theme.

I attended the show to support Dan and the other SOFA designers presenting that night. There were so many familiar faces, but I only got to take a photo with my Korean classmate Christie and her Japanese friend. I super love hanging out with foreigners! They see your world with a new set of eyes!

Here are some of my favorites:

The dress above is by Nicole Aquino, and the bohemian set below is by the super talented Danika Navarro. Loving the knot details, hot platforms and amazing textile combinations!

Below, Patricia models for the last set of designers.

Congratulations to everyone for putting on a good show!