At a regular session held last 20 June, 2023, the City Council of Manila, headed by its presiding officer, Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, adopted a series of resolutions recognizing accomplished fashion designers, declaring them “Adopted Sons of Manila”, and homegrown stage performers who brought honor to the city.
The fashion designers, who showcased their creations at the first ever Rampa Manila fashion show held on the same day at the City Hall, were:
- Michael Leyva, whose works have been displayed in fashion shows in Dubai, Moscow, Los Angeles, and Kuala Lumpur, and who designed the dress worn by Ms. Kris Aquino at the Hollywood premiere of the movie Crazy Rich Asians;
- Jonathan Paul “Jo” Rubio, whose Filipinianas have been a regular feature at State of the Nation Addresses, and whose clientele consists mostly of female politicians, political spouses, young women, and celebrities;
- Marlon Tuazon, a multi-awarded designer based in Angeles, Pampanga, who is best known for his atelier couture and modern classic ternos in bright, bold and “loud” neon colors;
- Rodolfo “Puey” Quiñones, an internationally renowned designer who launched Project Bilibid Runway, a design competition featuring the works of inmates he mentored, which was featured in the 2012 documentary entitled The World’s Most Fashionable Prison; and
- Albert Andrada, who established a glittering career in the Middle East as a favored designer of Arab royals, and who designed Ms. Pia Wurtzbach’s famous blue gown at the 2015 Miss Universe coronation night.
The Council also passed a resolution lauding Jose Marie Borja Viceral, better known as Vice Ganda, a homegrown artist from Manila who has had a remarkable career as a noontime show host and entertainer. Viceral recently held a successful Unkabogable Concert at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila.
The session ended with another city resolution, honoring 6th District Councilor Louciano “Lou” M. Veloso, the first Ehemplo Manileño Awardee, for his invaluable contributions to Philippine performing arts and cinema. A living legend in show business, he is the founder and musical stage play director of Martir sa Golgota, a senakulo or passion play that started in 1979. His most recent projects include the role of Professor Jose R. Torres in the Netflix series Maria Clara at Ibarra. He also plays Tanggol’s grandfather, Noy in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo series.
“Through the guidance and leadership of Mayor Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, Manila should be able to regain its status as a lively and dynamic center for art and cultural development”, the Council noted.
