Patis Tesoro’s ‘Filipiniana is Forever’ kicks off Iloilo Arts Festival 2025

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

Elegant silhouettes, delicate embroidery, resplendent hues and intricate weaves took center stage as Patis Tesoro showcased new creations for Ilonggos and visitors.

Tesoro, known as the Grand Dame of Philippine fashion, unveiled “Filipiniana is Forever: The Unraveling of Culture and Couture” at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art at Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The exhibit marked the kickoff of the Iloilo Arts Festival 2025 at Iloilo Business Park.

Running from Oct. 11 until January 2026, the show features 30 piña gowns and couture pieces that reinterpret the Filipiniana through a modern lens by merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

It also celebrates Tesoro as a visionary artist, fearless designer and culture advocate who transforms indigenous textiles into living expressions of heritage, identity and resonance.

Beyond classic Filipiniana, Tesoro is displaying “retaso” or scrap-fabric creations that underscore her push for sustainability in fashion through creative reuse.

Recognized as Iloilo City’s center for culture and the arts, Iloilo Business Park, together with the Iloilo City Government, ushered in the Iloilo Arts Festival 2025 as a collective celebration of Ilonggo artistry and cultural pride.

The festival unites artists, performers and communities to bring the spirit of creativity and collaboration to life across the city.

This year’s program gathers talents in visual art, fashion, film and performance for a monthlong showcase.

The Sinamba sa Regatta dance concert on Oct. 18–19 celebrates maritime traditions through choreography inspired by the Paraw Regatta Festival.

From Oct. 20–25, “Manggad sang Paghigugma” at Festive Walk Iloilo highlights the cultural heritage of the Ati communities of Iloilo, Guimaras and Capiz through performances and exhibits.

Cinema takes the spotlight from Oct. 24–26 with the Ilonggo Cinema Festival and Cine Engkanto Film Festival presenting films rooted in Ilonggo storytelling and identity.

The Linangan Art Residency, led by renowned artist Manny Garibay, begins on Oct. 25 at ILOMOCA to mentor emerging Ilonggo artists through workshops and community projects.

Throughout October, Casa de Emperador will be illuminated by “Art in Light,” a projection-mapping display featuring Marzz Capanang’s “Mga Kalibutan / Realms” on Oct. 10, 18 and 25.

The Himbon Contemporary Artists Group exhibits contemporary works at Festive Walk Iloilo from Oct. 17 to Nov. 17, while the “Kuris: Strokes of Strength” urban sketching competition on Oct. 18–19 brings together local artists in a creative showcase.

Home to ILOMOCA and the Emperador Brandy Museum, Iloilo Business Park continues to serve as the city’s cultural heart and a hub for art and heritage.

Together with the Iloilo City Government, the estate reaffirms its commitment to fostering spaces where creativity, community and culture thrive to strengthen Iloilo’s place as the creative capital of Western Visayas.

For schedules and exhibit details, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call 03 500 4226 or 0917 822 0543.