A Memorable Evening of Fashion, Culture, and Charity
By Crystal Dias
The Filipino Women’s Association-UK (FWA-UK) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 35th Year Anniversary and the 125th years of Philippine Independence with a grand event on Saturday, June 17th, 2023. Held at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, the Annual Dinner & Dance brought together over 260 guests for an unforgettable evening.
Under the theme “Enhancing Lives Throughout the Journey of Life: Celebrating 35 years of Positive Impact” the event aimed to commemorate the accomplishments of FWA-UK while honouring the rich heritage and culture of the Philippines.
The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated collaboration between FWA-UK and PamPinay, a clothing brand founded by talented Filipina artists. The event showcased PamPinay’s latest collection, titled “Dilag,” which captivated the audience with its unique blend of Filipino craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.
Guiding the guests through the evening was the esteemed Master of Ceremonies, Rose Eclarinal, News Bureau Chief of ABS-CBN EMEA and producer of Juan Eu Konek. Eclarinal’s engaging presence added an extra touch of elegance to the proceedings.
The entertainment line-up featured a diverse array of performances. Anna Murrai, a flautist from Russia, enchanted the audience with her rendition of traditional Filipino “haranas.” The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company took the stage with a captivating cultural performance, showcasing the beauty and grace of Filipino dance. The music for the evening was provided by the talented Breeze Band, featuring Annie Leyva and Gerald Lao of GL Productions, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
FWA-UK’s collaboration with PamPinay holds special significance. Founded by Pamela Gotangco, a visual artist based in Switzerland, and Christian Belaro, a digital designer based in London, PamPinay is a collection of high-quality wearable art that highlights Filipino culture and heritage. The brand aims to promote social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible branding through its playful illustration of Filipino traits in the pop art genre. Each PamPinay product is individually created by dressmakers who lost their jobs during the pandemic, supporting local communities in the Philippines. The fashion show during the Dinner and Dance Gala Night showcased the brand’s stunning “Dilag” collection.