Flores de Ermita at Manila Hotel

Manila Hotel, Manila-Philippines

The Ermita Malate Business Owners Association ( EMBOA) Flores de Ermita Parada ng mga Sagala and the Kasuotang Pilipino Fashion Show is taking a giant leap forward showcasing the annual Flores de Ermita event with young fashion designers of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines . This is the second year that the group is staging their event.

officers and members  of EMBOA and Manila Hotel manager

This year’s parade of carriage and mini-fashion show begun at the historic Manila Hotel and ends at Robinson’s Place-Manila .

Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines

The event started past 2:00pm at the main lobby of hotel, starting with beautiful ladies wearing Filipinana designed by members of the fashion designer association of the Philippines .

Philippine National Police

 models going down the stairs

“To celebrate the city of Manila’s special version of the well-loved flower festival in May, the Flores de Ermita does not only celebrate the beauty in fashion but also revisit the charm of the Philippine capital and once known as the ” Pearl of the Orient” says Ms. Michelle Pe ( EMBOA – President)

model with escort

model and escort in front of Manila Hotel

horse-drawn carriages

After the presentation , The models rode horse drawn carriages ( kalesas and karetelas) to Remedios Circle for another photo opportunity at the Remedios Circle.Park. The park is neatly manicured with newly planted palms and ornamental plants.

Remedios Circle fountain

The Remedios Circle fountain serves as a focal point for the urban renewal and beautification program of the organization and the city of Manila.  The mood is very festive with upbeat Caribbean street band and cheerful children .

group photo

The mission of EMBOA of positive image , pride of the place remains strong and they are proud of renewal agenda for the residents, arts , cultural promotion , good neighborhood and business partnership in making stronger alliances with city government and various stakeholders for the revival of Ermita-Malate as a tourism destination . The author had a chance to get invited in one of their community outreach project last year.

Junior New System

Junior New System group was founded in 2009 which gives a new twist to the hip-hop dance in Sampaloc ( District 4 ) of Manila . They are best known as one of the finalists at the recent Asia’s Got Talent feat held last year in Singapore .

Website: http://www.juniornewsystem.com/

Miss Earth 2015 Ms. Angelia Ong and Mayor Joseph ” ERAP” Estrada

Ms. Earth 2015 Miss Angelia Ong lead the Santacruzan at the Robinson’s Place and was highlighted the night fashion show .

Ms. Angelia Ong – Miss Earth 2015

After the mini-fashion show , the designers were given recognition for their tireless efforts.  A short message was delivered by Ms. Digna Rosales ( President ) Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines – The organization is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year.

Here are the Winners of the Sagala ( Design ) Contest

Flores de Ermita – Model #12 Designer Miss Nica Castro

The Filipinana dress was inspired by the 1930’s Manila carnival era with modern twist and a high slit

Flores de Malate -Model #14 Mr. Don Cristobal

 The Filipiniana dress was a mix of Indian , Middle Eastern design and native Philippine tribal pattern.

Flores de Turismo -Model #17 Mr. Renelson Espaldon

 The light bluish Filipiniana dress was designed by Mr. Renelson Espaldon with classic bead works. The event  was hosted by Mr. Tetsuhiro “Show”  Suzuki  ( far right ).

Those interested in getting involved with the group projects, please try to contact EMBOA administration office at 526-1866, 0908-542-2952

Website:http://www.emboa.com.ph/

Note : Photos are taken by the author

Ermita Malate Business Owners Association Gift Giving with 500 indigent street children

Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila-Philippines

Manila local tourism head , Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada , Ms. Michelle Pe

Ermita Malate Business Owners Association ( EMBOA) members gave Christmas presents and cheers to at least 500 indigent children  aged between 7 years-old to 12 years-old and their families at the newly landscaped Remedios Circle.

Special guests of honor includes Manila’s Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada , officials from tourism office, barangay officials , EMBOA members and schools.

Partner schools include Ermita Parish School choir, Emilio Aguinaldo College choir, Universidad de Manila choir and Philippine Women’s University choir.

students

Aside from the traditional gift giving , participants were treated to Christmas carols, cultural dancers and folk dances.

 Universidad de Manila students

The students of Universidad de Manila performed folk dances like Pastores Talisay – A Christmas folk dance which originated from the town of Talisay -Bicol region.  This folk dance with voluminous dress similar to Poblana China which dates back during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.

cultural dance

This year’s activities and theme ” Maligayang Pasko: Handog Pasasalamat ng Ermita , Malate Business Owners Association ( EMBOA) , sa Remedios Circle , Malate .

Mr. Tetsuhiro ” Show”  Suzuki and Ms. Angel Jores host of the program

  The said occasion is one way to give ” Thank” to the 16 barangays which are partners of the organization . They are the ones who give their time ,  people and resources to improve the community .

” This Christmas Season, we wanted to share joy,love ,happiness and peace to the people most especially to the less fortunate kids. We want them to know that we care for them same as we care a lot for the development of Ermita , Malate” according to Ms. Michelle Pe ( President of EMBOA).

crowd which includes officials , media and bloggers

There were at least between 1,000 to 1,200 people attending the event.

After the program we were treated by the organization to a hotel tour , I will post the stories of our exciting tour .

I would like to ” Thank” the organizers and the PR’s for the invitation to the event.

Website: http://www.emboa.com.ph/