Trash to Style Fashion Show

May was a month of tough endings. I bid farewell to summer and everything that this season holds. However, seasons only change; they never stop and so I say hello to a fresh start.

I started the month of June with a BLAST! I underwent a transformation that was just a dream before. I know I'm making it sound as if I went through some surgical operation (that would be too much, I guess), but it was really a notable change.

Last June 1 at Abreeza Ayala Mall, the so-called transformation was launched as I became one of the models of the Trash to Style Fashion Competition. Spearheaded by the Davao City Water District and Watershed Management Youth Council, eighteen hopefuls strut their stuff wearing couture pieces made of recycled materials.

I won't keep you waiting. My blue hair vanished into the abyss and turned platinum blonde. Yes, this has always been a dream and it also became my fashion statement as I devoured the runway in Shievar Olegario's design.

Yours truly, the 6th contestant.

You would have not seen this coming. That's me, covered with blue feathers in 6-inch heels. Even my friends who attended the event didn't recognize me at first. Well, I must say, thanks to Joshua Medroso, a talented artist, for doing my Vogue-ish make-up. He was also one of the designers and was hailed the winner that night.

I apologize if some of the photos are slightly pixelated. I just grabbed some of them from Shievar's album in Facebook. Anyway, the competition wasn't for the sake of having one. It presented a line of advocacies such as environmental awareness, specifically the protection of the Philippine Eagle.

Since Shievar wanted to capture the reality nowadays, he used safety pins, paper plates and black cloths to symbolize the death of an eagle and how its species slowly became endangered. He juxtaposed it with brightly colored feathers to show the strength and undying beauty that these creatures still possess.

Meet the creative mind behind this masterpiece. Aspiring designer, 18-year-old Shievar could not be stopped as he promises to conquer the fashion industry bit by bit.

Yes, I walked with my face covered in this fierce garment. I could see though.

This event would not be as memorable as it would be if it weren't for the people who willingly gave their time and effort to support me. I went through a lot before I did this fashion show, but it was all worth it, seeing them cheering for me.

L-R: Edsam, Meki, Nin, KJ, Faith, Cham

A million thanks to Meki D'lonsod, for sponsoring my snacks to keep me alive; Nin Velasco, for giving me her time and support; Faith Rodriguez, for taking the photos and cheering so loud; Edsam Andit, for still coming despite his schedule; KJ Villanueva, for cheering and taking photos; and to Cham Tanteras, for tirelessly assisting me during the show. Adzie Madronero was also there in his bright red hair. Sadly, I wasn't able to take a picture with the Red Queen.

This was my first and I wish it wouldn't be my last. Truly, it was an experience of a lifetime. I could not fully describe how I felt on the catwalk. But one thing's for sure--I captured each moment and saved it in the deepest recesses of my heart.

We shall be seeing soon when I get back to school.