A Gala Evening Celebrating the Philippines

Join the U.S. Philippine Society for a "Gala Evening Celebrating Design, Textiles and Fashion," showcasing the creative works of renowned fashion designer, Patis Tesoro, the "Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion." The event will feature a fashion show of Tesoro's designs. She is noted for her advocacy in preserving the pina (pineapple fiber) weaving industry in Aklan.

Also featured is an exhibit of signature pieces from furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, called the "rattan virtuoso" by TIME magazine. Cobonpue is known as a strong advocate for sustainable design.

Both the works of Tesoro and Cobonpue have earned critical acclaim in the design community in the Philippines, as well as world-wide.Benefit Gala to Showcase Philippine Design, Textiles and Fashion

Tickets are now available for the “Gala Evening Celebrating Philippine Design, Textiles and Fashion,” showcasing the creative works of renowned fashion designer, Patis Tesoro, the “Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion”. Tesoro is noted for her advocacy in preserving the piña (pineapple fiber) weaving industry in Aklan.

The evening cultural show, which takes place on June 11 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., will open with an exhibit and reception at the Atrium at 7:15 p.m. followed by the fashion show at 8:15 p.m. in the Atrium Hall.

The event will benefit Aklan Piña MANTRA, women in fiber production microenterprise in the Philippine town of Aklan. The industry was affected when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013.

Also featured is an exhibit of signature pieces from furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, called the “rattan virtuoso” by TIME magazine. Cobonpue is known as a strong advocate for sustainable design.

Both the works of Tesoro and Cobonpue have earned critical acclaim in the design community in the Philippines, as well as world-wide.

The US-Philippines Society, with the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy, is sponsoring the event. US-Philippines Society Executive Director, Hank Hendrickson, urges everyone to support the event saying that “the benefit gala will aid families and women in particular, rebuild livelihoods in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.”