Participants learn upcycling techniques during the hands-on workshop. (San Francisco PCG photos)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with Upcyclers.com and the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, held “Upcycling: Creativity, Culture & Sustainability” on 9 October 2026 at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, in celebration of Filipino American History Month.
The workshop gathered over forty (40) attendees for hands-on activities and a fashion showcase demonstrating how existing garments can be transformed through creative design and craftsmanship.
Upcyclers.com, led by Founder and CEO Gia Carrascoso, coordinated eight (8) participating upcyclers who redesigned donated clothing and guided participants through workshop activities. Garments donated by Apl.de.Ap were transformed into new pieces, while clothing contributed by the Salvation Army was used for block printing on denim.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon linked upcycling to Filipino resourcefulness and the country’s weaving and textile traditions. He emphasized that everyday choices about what to buy, keep, reuse, and create can contribute to sustainability, and highlighted the importance of opening opportunities for Filipino and Filipino American creativity through entrepreneurship and collaboration. Ms. Carrascoso emphasized how creativity can give old garments a new life or “glow up,” transforming them into useful and distinctive pieces. A video message from Apl.de.Ap, Founder and Chairman of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, was also played during the program.
Left: Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon delivers his welcome remarks. Right: Upcyclers.com Founder and CEO Gia Carrascoso shares a short message on creativity. (San Francisco PCG photos)
Morning and afternoon workshop sessions culminated in a fashion show of upcycled pieces, joined by Filipino beauty queens Ms. Heart Keona Noble-Dean, 3rd Runner-Up at Miss Philippines USA 2026, and Ms. Stacy Anne Nova Flores, Miss Philippines Northwest USA, followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to partners and contributors.
Upcycled garments take the runway during the culminating fashion show. (Photos by San Francisco PCG and Alex Skala)
The activity enabled participants to learn directly from experienced upcyclers and gave the latter a venue to showcase their work. The event brought Filipino resourcefulness into contemporary sustainable fashion, combining the celebration of cultural heritage with practical learning and engagement with the Bay Area creative community. END
Participants, upcyclers, and organizers gather at the conclusion of “Upcycling: Creativity, Culture & Sustainability” held on 9 October 2026 at the Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)