'Colors of Mindanao' pays homage to veteran designer Ben Farrales

Flores de Mayo has become synonymous with the month of May. That time of the year when locals and vacationists witness a spectacular and colorful parade of the finest and the most beautiful Filipinas paying tribute to the utmost mother of all: Mother Mary.

 

"They're keeping up the tradition and likewise catechizing the Filipino people that the Flores de Mayo, the most maiden of all, is the blessed Mother," said Jesse Nell, Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus President.

 

"So, for the procession, we usually have the image of the blessed Mother na it's not just like a fashion show but it's really a devotional procession," he added.  

Southern colors 

 

This year's Flores de Mayo, conducted by the Congregacion, entitled "Colors of Mindanao," will be held at the Music Hall in Mall of Asia on May 5, 2013. Moreover, the designers joining the said event will pay tribute to veteran Filipino fashion designer and Congregacion founder Mr. Ben Farrales. A man so important he's known in the industry as just Mang Ben.

 

Joining the roster of designers are Ivan dela Cruz, Buddy Reyes, Obet Orajay, Fanny Serrano, Edgar Allan, Pepe Quitco, Jon Fernando, Danilo Franco, Arielle Agasang, Edwin Tan, Johnny Abad, Renee Salud, Ole Morabe, and Edwin Uy.

 

Designers Steve de Leon, Christopher Quejano, Richard Papa, Rholand Roxas, Frederick Peralta, Edgar Madamba, Leslie Rivera, Rey Lazaro, Pencil Diestra, Rikko Escaro, Pepsi Herrera, Edgar San Diego, Jontie Martinez, Francis Calaquian, Gener Gozum, and Lito Perez will also be part of the said event.

 

"Lahat ng designers, alam nila agad kapag sinabi mo Ben Ferrales. So 'yun kaagad papasok sa isip mo, inspiration from Mindanao. So, lahat sila ngayon, they imbibe the spirit of Mang Ben," Jesse asserted.

 

If you're familiar with Mang Ben's work, you will instantly associate it with Mindanao culture. With almost sixty years spent in the fashion industry, the designer continues to preserve Filipino culture and incorporate the beauty of the south to his wonderful creations.  

Moreover, some designs of Mang Ben were showcased during the press preview held last Tuesday in Casino Español.

 

One of the Maria Elenas present at the press preview is model and Project Runway Philippines judge Ms. Apples Aberin. She showcased Mang Ben's gold terno with floral alampay or pañuelo. Aberin is also one of Mang Ben's beautiful muses.

 

The femininity of the Filipina 

 

At the age of 17, Apples joined her first Flores de Mayo at Manila Hotel.

 

"I remember when I was so shy, but also excited about the whole spectacle. All the beautiful dresses, the tradition, all the designers coming together to celebrate our Mama Mary. It was something that was special to me and it was more than 25 years ago," Apples said.

 

For her, Flores de Mayo is hugely important to Filipino culture.

 

According to her, "It really brings to fore the femininity of the Filipina.This is the one time when everyone is wearing beautiful floral accentuated dresses that bring to life who the real Filipina is."

 

"[Flores De Mayo] melds tradition, religion, and the heart of a Filipino woman," she concluded. – KDM, GMA News