Kaugnay Trashion Show 2023
3...2..1!! Hooray, we did it!
Who would have thought that this initial event by KAUGNAY would turn out to be this phenomenal!
“I went to the most extraordinary fashion show today: a trashion show! ”
To start, the process of planning and preparation for this event was not easy. But we first started with an easy task of posting the invitation poster on social media, calling for candidates for the Trashion Show. We aimed to get 15-20 candidates for this first time event. The response was overwhelming, the slots were full within a week. We even exceeded the number we had hoped for.
Ian (Assistant KAUGNAY Coordinator) and I were discussing what KAUGNAY should do as the lead off event for the group. We had open suggestions from our teammates but decided in unison that recycling should be the main theme. Brainstorming for the event title, Trashion ( trash- fashion) was the right one.
You know what, we encountered issues. Many kinds, and mostly negative, but did it hurt us? Did it stop us? Did it affect us? Yes, a pinch of hurt was there but these issues motivated us to do more, to prove that we can do better. We may have had misunderstandings amongst the group but that’s part of it, I guess. We talk, we settle, we move on and worked together for the success of the event.
It was quite tough finding a venue. Most were fully booked or too pricey for a group that was just starting out. But a human star came to the rescue, a month before our event and we found our venue. Special mention to Engr Petz of RAISE , thank you for introducing HFSE to us (1st International Filipino school in Singapore). A humongous thank you to Mr Engr & Mrs Gary (wife Ma'am Nina ) Cacananta for hosting the event.
The event theme is Trashion, Trash-Fashion. Turning our trash into fashion. Why Trashion Show? We—Migrant Domestic Workers, are a vulnerable group , we work long hours in a uniquely stressful job. Combination of menial and caregiving tasks yet, we are still being treated as "trash." With this event, we are going to show that these "trash" are skillful too in other aspects. May you "see" us and "hear" us through this trashion show.
The Trashion Show had 25 contestants, from migrant domestic workers, f&b and special participation of 2 cute young girls. And it's free registration, no money involved in joining the event.
The contestants have rules to follow in making their fashion ideas from used-recyclable/ unrecycable-trash materials. The criteria in making their creations were given to the candidates to follow. And for their dance production number, an easy peasy one for them to follow. With their production number and catwalk, they had 7 Sundays practice or rehearsal and 2 Sundays for their photoshoot. We were juggling with the time schedules of the girls, depending on their availability. Most of them don't have every Sunday off. But for the last Sunday of practice, we appreciate the effort that these girls had made in attending.
The night before the event, I was sleepless, I don’t know how or what I should feel at that time. I managed to get ready and arrived at the event venue ahead of time. As we put the event room in order, people were slowly coming in and some of them lent a helping hand. Without noticing, the time strikes for our event to start. I can hear my heart beat, I can feel it beating faster and then I heard the host call my name for my welcome speech. Wheeew, I can do this! I am not worried about speaking in front of an audience, it's the result of the event that I'm worried about.
The incredible panel of judges - apologies for giving you a tough role, the tabulators also look so at ease though I know this is a sensitive role we had given you.
The candidates paraded their astounding creations proudly and confidently in front of the judges and audience. I can say the contestants are adrenaline-fueled in their creativity skills. Knowing that they have limited free time in working, in finishing their creations for the event. All creations wowed the audience and obviously the audience had their own favorite. The Trashion Show landed in Strait Times (the most read newspaper in Singapore both in print and digital) and we were able to meet the Philippines Correspondent (I was interviewed by the Correspondent), and of course ABS CBN News (the largest media company in the Philippines and the oldest television broadcaster in Southeast Asia) featured us also. The Independent Singapore- a leading alternative news platform in Singapore also published an article about the Trashion Show. Many other community pages and platforms that support recycling and environmental awareness also posted.
Reading, hearing beautiful words, and praises about the Trashion Show, we —me and the KAUGNAY team, felt proud of our accomplishments! It's worth all the hard work we poured into it.
Contestant #12
Maricel Carullo, Grand Winner
Grand Winner- Maricel Carullo #12
1st runner ups: Cholita Neri #8 and Leah May Cervantes #7
2nd runner up: Annabel Saquing #23
3rd runner up: Medel Ganuelas #18
4th runner up: Jory Mae Navalta # 20
Each candidate gets a Certificate of Appreciation and Sash of Trashion Show 2023 and also the non winning candidates gets a crown and gifts. Grand Winner gets a crown, trophy, sash, cash prize and gift pack from major sponsor Ms Beck Lanuza of JC Premier. The runner ups get a crown, sash, trophy, cash prize and giveaways.
Joy, excitement and sense of achievement are seen in the candidates smiling faces and I hope they gained personal growth, skill development, empowerment and belongingness.
The presence of HOME staff headed by the Executive Director Dr Stephanie Chok, meant a lot to us. To Jolovan Wham-the group Adviser, Ms Ruchita Chheda, and Sisi Sukiato: With your help and guidance, undying support and trust KAUGNAY became possible, thank you so much. To Jaya and Charmaine who accepted the task we gave them for this event, thank you for taking the time to do it.
You all are the best support system we have.
All guests who came and cheered with us, we are so grateful that you came and for being a part of our event. To all our generous sponsors, we thank you tenfold.
See, how trash turned into fun, fashionabulous ( fashion and fabulous) masterpiece. Trashion Show, to uplift our human dignity (Migrant Domestic Workers) and to promote environmental awareness.
We would like to say Thank you to our energetic emcee’s, Engr Marlon Mallari Malonzo and Ms Conney Maligaya HOME Academy teacher, your style and energy were perfect! The singer Engr Marlon, the girls and the audience, went crazy with your song renditions …Ohhh well, I got mesmerized too though it’s not my first time hearing you sing.
Looking forward to more trashion shows with a twist!
Mabuhay, Kaugnay!
Thank you, HOME!
Jo Ann A. Dumlao
MyVoice contributor
KAUGNAYCoordinator