seen on the scene
FAMA
Indonesian Culinary Festival 2017
PHILIPPINE arts , music , dances and yes , attire – reflect a society with diverse cultural influences and traditions . Before the Philippines was colonized by Spain in 1521 , native Filipinos used local textiles made from abaca ( a type of banana plant ), pineapple , cotton and bark . Weaving was a form of art and clans were distinguished from one another through their unique designs . Fourteenth Century settlers from Indonesia and Malaysia brought with them their Islamic traditions and culture , thus its Muslim influence and had contacts with traders who introduced Chinese and Indian influences . During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for more than 300 years , the western influence on the Filipino mode of dress was very evident ; Mexican influence was also incorporated due to the trade between Manila and Acapulco but Filipinos were made to use a fabric called “ nipis ” ( which was white , flimsy , but heavily embroidered with floral designs ). As Spain imposed Catholicism and the lowland peoples were acculturated through religious conversions , the Muslims and some upland tribal groups maintained cultural independence as can be seen in their tribal garments .
Filipino history and culture is very rich and diverse ; thus , the fashion from every region varies from one another with each design reflecting a history molded by several social issues and events . The clothing style and fashion sense of the Filipino has been influenced not only by their native ancestors , but also by its colonizers — the Spaniards and the Americans , and even the Japanese .
Today , wearing the Filipiniana ( the Philippines ’ national costume ) necessitates an occasion to flaunt such as galas or social events or to tell a nation ’ s history and culture such as in political events and international presentations .
It is under this banner that the Filipino-American Modeling Ambassadors ( FAMA ) was created as the Filipino-American community ’ s response to invitations from the international community to support Houston ’ s diversity by showcasing Philippine culture and history . FAMA is being managed by Dr . Mei Frias , an educator , but the man behind FAMA ’ s success and for getting the word out there is Mr . Loloy Reyes , owner and founder of Pinoy Houston TV ( PHTV ), the first Filipino television channel in Texas . Loloy is the liaison between the Fil-Am community and the international community due to his more than 10 years of involvement in various community outreach work . Members of FAMA are not just models but also ambassadors of goodwill for the Philippines . These are young men and women , professionals in their own right , who call Houston their home . They are regular participants in the annual Texas Lunar Festival where Reyes is involved as a member of its steering committee . FAMA has also represented the FilAm community in various international festivals and cultural events held at various venues around Houston and Austin – like the Miller Outdoor Theatre , Hobby Theatre , Discovery Green , Minute Maid Park , Houston City Hall ’ s Herman Park and University of Texas in Austin . In every event , they showcase the many variations of the world-famous Filipiniana together with the tribal costumes of the indigenous people of the Philippines .
The members of FAMA are as follows : Abby Hamdan , Nina Frias , Cheryl Piccio , Kaye Adan , Zim Lovern , Karina Hernandez , Mary Ann Santiano , Cristy Rodriguez , Grace Sangel , Aubrey Garibay , Amie Bumanglag , Eds Caranto and Carl Guzman .
For invitations and inquiries call : 713-966-9985 or email : feedback . fama @ gmail . com
18 iF Magazine | February 2017