PH CONSULATE IN SAN FRANCISCO LENDS SUPPORT TO THE HINABI PROJECT’S TERNO DE MAYO
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Madame Miriam Ferrer, on behalf of Consul General Neil Ferrer, led the delegation of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in lending support to The Hinabi Project’s Terno de Mayo Gala, held at the Intercontinental San Francisco on 18 May 2024. Madame Ferrer was accompanied by Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Cultural Officer Cristine Clasara-Steylaerts, Secretary to the Consul General Michelle Raiz, and Mr. Renz Katigbak of the Philippine Center Management Board. Members of the Legion of San Francisco Consular Corps (LSFCC) also attended the event through the invitation of Madame Ferrer.
The Hinabi Project is a trans-Pacific organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and practice of the Philippine weaving arts in natural fiber in the Philippine diaspora. It aims to create a textile collection, document fabric production, and hold public presentations through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops on Philippine textiles. They work with artists and master weavers to incorporate aspects of Filipino traditional fabrics into modern design.
In his video message, Consul General Ferrer noted the Philippines’ National Heritage Month’s theme of “Championing Heritage: Capacity Building to Transform Communities,” in recognition of cultural workers and advocates who have made it their mission to connect with Philippine Indigenous communities in highlighting local ingenuity and creativity, and in creating opportunities for local artisans and culture bearers to thrive in mainstream society.
“The Hinabi Project is one such champion, for its relentless efforts in the promotion of Philippine fashion and indigenous weaving in the Bay Area and beyond,” Consul General Ferrer said.
Consul General Ferrer lauded Filipino American fashion designer Oliver Tolentino, whose terno creations were showcased during the event, lauding his use of Philippine indigenous weaves for his modern wear gowns.
He also noted the collaborative projects undertaken by The Hinabi Project with the Consulate, including the Philippine piña exhibition at the Philippine Center in February 2024.
The Hinabi Project President Almira Astudillo Gilles delivered the welcome remarks during the event, while Christine Adiaz gave an overview of The Hinabi Project. The event also featured an auction for the benefit of the organization, while the Parangal Dance Company, countertenor Kylie Tingzon, and Filipino Black American singer Zeyoncé Brown provided the entertainment.
The finale featured a fashion parade of the gowns designed by Tolentino, which included Madame Ferrer and Consul Pangilinan-Daquipil. END
(L-R) San Francisco PCG’s Consular Assistant Michelle Raiz, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Mdm. Miriam Ferrer, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Cultural Officer Cristine Cia Clasara-Steylaerts, and Philippine Center Management Board’s Property and Procurement Officer Renz Marion Katigbak. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Mdm. Miriam Ferrer (center) with members of the Legion of San Francisco Consular Corps (LSFCC) (San Francisco PCG photo)