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I'm Janniah Maureece C. Faciolan; you can just call me Jam. I grew up in the Province of South Cotabato where culture and traditions were very rich. South Cotabato is a multi-religious and multi-racial culture that brings festivals that are a reminder of a vibrant past. South Coatabato is also known for its weaved clothing which is the T'nalak which is why we're called the Dreamweavers. I grew up with my grandparents in which that I cultivated those culture and beliefs being introduced to me and up until now I can say that having a rich culture is a country's treasure.

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In analyzing how the contemporary Philippine pop culture of fiestas creates change in different aspects, the Carnival Theory provides a fitting framework. According to this theory, festivities and celebrations serve as a temporary suspension of norms and hierarchies, allowing for a collective reimagining of social structures. In the context of Filipino fiestas, this is evident in the way communities come together, regardless of socioeconomic status or political affiliations, to participate in the festivities. These celebrations provide a space for individuals to momentarily escape the challenges of everyday life and immerse themselves in a shared cultural experience. Moreover, the extravagant displays of creativity and devotion during fiestas challenge traditional notions of identity and belonging, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity among participants. By embracing the Carnival Theory, we can understand how Filipino fiestas contribute to social cohesion and cultural resilience, ultimately driving positive change in community dynamics and collective identity.

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157.  Carnivalesque theory: a quick guide (literature)

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Dinagyang,Sinulog and Ati- Atihan Festival

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I would love to showcase the vibrant and colorful tradition of Filipino fiestas.

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I would love to showcase the vibrant and colorful tradition of Filipino fiestas.

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These celebrations are deeply ingrained in Philippine culture, reflecting the country's rich history, diverse influences, and strong sense of community. From the grand Sinulog Festival in Cebu to the lively Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, each fiesta is a spectacle of music, dance, food, and religious devotion. It's a time when streets come alive with parades of elaborately adorned floats, performers clad in intricate costumes, and the aroma of delicious local delicacies fills the air.

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The fiestas serve as a platform for Filipinos to express their creativity, faith, and unity, making them an integral part of Philippine identity. By featuring images and videos of these vibrant celebrations on my Padlet, I hope to share the joy and cultural significance of Filipino fiestas with a global audience, fostering appreciation and understanding of this unique aspect of Philippine pop culture.

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Take a peek into the world of Filipino fiestas and immerse in the local culture. Celebrate with the locals to experience the Philippines like never before.

If you've met Filipinos anywhere in the world, you'll know that they are a fun bunch of people to hang out with. They love to eat, dance, have fun and know how to turn every celebration into a massive party. With that knowledge in mind, it is not surprising that cultural fiestas are a big deal in the Philippines.

How exactly the tradition of celebrating fiestas came along is debatable, but it is mostly attributed to the Philippines' Spanish colonial rule that lasted for more than 200 years. But whatever be the origin, what matters now is that they are an inseparable part of the Philippines' cultural landscape.

But what exactly are fiestas? In the Philippines, fiestas are essentially a festival, typically dedicated to a patron saint, or sometimes meant to celebrate a particular season. But what's unique about these celebrations is that the entire city comes out and participates in the events that go on all day long and sometimes even for weeks. There's a free flow of food and drinks, dancing, music and a lot of fun in general.

But before we go on to tell you about some of the most famous fiestas in the Philippines, let us take you on a virtual experience of what to expect during a fiesta.

Food and drinks galore!

Not surprisingly, eating and drinking are a big part of any Filipino fiesta. Filipinos prepare nothing less than a feast and open up their homes to guests and practically anyone who wants to drop by for a festive meal at their home. The concept, known as an open house, is fairly popular in many Southeast Asian countries. Thus, it is easy to imagine Filipinos taking it a few notches higher when it comes to their annual celebrations!

One of the most common dishes prepared during a fiesta is the Lechon, a whole roasted pig, a universal festive delicacy in the Philippines. This is followed very closely by pork or chicken adobo, which is the unofficial national dish of the country. But more than the food items, it is the atmosphere of warmth and generosity that one experiences during a Filipino fiesta that leaves a lasting impression.

Dance the night away

If food is the soul of the Philippines' fiestas, dancing is at the heart of it! The streets of the Philippines get taken over by locals as they parade the city in elaborate, colorful costumes, which differ from one festival to another. These celebrations are day-long affairs and it's common for locals to visit different parts of the city to watch or participate in them.

However, despite being local cultural celebrations, these fiestas are extremely inclusive. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist passing through the city, everyone is equally welcome to take part in the festivities, especially the street dancing. If you've been wanting to truly immerse yourself in the local culture of the Philippines, there is no better way to do so than to get involved in one of these fiestas.

5 Filipino fiestas to experience all the fun

Now that you have an idea of what it's like to be a part of a Filipino fiesta, here are five festivals we think are worth traveling for.

Sinulog

Dedicated to honoring and celebrating baby Jesus, also known as Santo Niño, Sinulog is the biggest fiesta to be celebrated in Cebu. Held every year on the third Sunday of January, the term Sinulog refers to the movement of water. It is also interesting to note here that the traditional dance performed at Sinulog resembles the movement of water currents - two steps in the front and one step in the back.

Marked by 3-day long street parties, parades, dancing, and raves, Sinulog attracts millions of people from all over the world and is definitely one of the most popular fiestas of Philippines.

Ati-Atihan

Held every year in the month of January, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan festival has tribal origins. It is said that the fiesta was first celebrated by the native Aetas tribe of the Philippines to welcome and provide refuge to members of the Bornean Datus tribe.

In return, the Datus provided food and shelter to the Aetas later during the time of famine, giving birth to the Ati-Atihan fiesta. Rumour has it that the Ati-Atihan became so popular as one of the biggest fiestas in the Philippines, it gave birth to similar festivals in other parts of the country, most notably the Sinulog festival in Cebu.

MassKara

Celebrated on the 4th Sunday every October, Masskara is a relatively new festival started in the 1980s, compared to others that go back hundreds of years. But what sets this festival apart is the use of decorative smiling face masks as part of the festival costume. The masks represent the undying spirit of Filipinos to fight every challenge that comes their way.

The usual street parades are also a part of Masskara along with fun competitions like pole climbing that are held to bring together people from all across the region.

Location: Bacolod
Date: 4th Sunday of October

Panagbenga

Sometimes referred to as the festival of flowers, and very rightly so, the term Panagbenga essentially means 'season of blooming'. And what better way to bring in the festive spirit of Panagbenga than to celebrate with Baguio's beautiful blossoms? The biggest highlight of this fiesta is the grand parade that goes through the entire city with participants dressed in floral themed costumes.

A real treat for the eyes, Panagbenga's popularity is clearly evident in the sheer number of people that come here to witness the celebrations!

Pahiyas

One of the most colorful fiestas in the Philippines, Pahiyas is a celebration of abundance. Dedicated to worshipping the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, the festival coincides with the local harvest season. Farmers decorate their homes in vibrant colors and the activity has a tinge of competitiveness to see whose house has the best decoration, all in the spirit of the festival.

But apart from that, a huge draw of the Pahiyas festival is the display of a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables everywhere in the city for visitors to savor, along with local rice cakes called Suman.

It is sometimes said that there is a fiesta for every month of the year in the Philippines. So no matter which time of the year you choose to visit the country, you are probably going to be able to participate in or at least witness one of them. But irrespective of which fiesta piques your interest, we hope that you get to experience this vibrant country in all its glory - uninhibited and unabashed!

FAQ

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5 fun Filipino fiestas you must experience - Bookaway

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Take a peek into the world of Filipino fiestas and immerse in the local culture. Celebrate with the locals to experience the Philippines like never before.

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Furthermore, the Agenda Setting theory offers insight into how the portrayal of Filipino fiestas in contemporary pop culture media influences public perceptions and priorities. Through various forms of media such as social networking sites, television, and online platforms like Padlet, images and videos of these vibrant celebrations are disseminated to a wide audience both locally and globally. As these representations shape the narrative surrounding Filipino culture, they have the potential to influence the agenda of societal discourse. By highlighting the cultural richness and communal spirit of fiestas, media platforms contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage preservation and tourism, thus impacting economic development and international relations. Moreover, by showcasing the diversity and creativity of Filipino traditions, these representations challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Philippine identity on the global stage. Therefore, by employing the Agenda Setting theory, we can appreciate the role of contemporary pop culture in shaping perceptions, fostering cultural pride, and driving socio-economic change within the Philippines and beyond.

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The Agenda Setting Function Theory | Media in Minutes | Episode 3

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An introduction to the Agenda Setting Function Theory which suggests that the media can't tell you what to think but it can tell you what to think about. Follow us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/lessonbucket And Twitter: http://twitter.com/lessonbucket A full transcript of this episode can be found at: http://lessonbucket.com/media-in-minutes/the-agenda-setting-function-theory/ Thanks to Adam 'Elroy' Mazzitelli for his help.

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In past few years, Philippine Pop Culture has evolved with the changing times and influences of both local and global sources. Here are some Philippine Pop Culture that I am really interested nowadays.

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A big component of Philippine pop culture is (Original Pilipino Music). Filipino musicians have left their mark across the nation and globally with everything from contemporary pop and rock to timeless ballads. Iconic OPM artists like Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, Sarah Geronimo, and Regine Velasquez continue to influence the music scene.

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Wazzup Pilipinas

Original Pilipino Music, more commonly known as OPM, is the umbrella term for any musical composition created by Filipino artists. It is a diverse and vibrant industry that has produced iconic songs and performers that have captured the hearts of Filipinos for generations.

OPM has its roots in traditional Filipino music, which dates back to pre-colonial times. The country's indigenous tribes had their unique styles of music and dance, which were passed down from generation to generation. When the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, they introduced Western music, such as church hymns and operatic music, which had a significant influence on Filipino music. Over the centuries, Filipino musicians have blended traditional and Western styles to create a unique sound that is distinctly Filipino.

The 1970s and 1980s were the golden years of OPM, when it reached its peak in popularity. It was during this time that iconic Filipino bands such as The Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, and Rivermaya emerged. These bands' songs became anthems of an entire generation and captured the essence of the Filipino experience.

One of the most significant contributions of OPM to the music industry is the ballad, which has become a staple in Filipino music. Ballads are love songs that express heartfelt emotions, such as love, longing, and heartbreak. These songs are often accompanied by a piano or guitar and are sung in a soulful and emotional way.

Another popular genre in OPM is novelty songs. These songs are playful, lighthearted, and often humorous. They are usually accompanied by catchy and upbeat melodies, making them fun to sing and dance along to. Some of the most famous novelty songs in OPM include "Otso-Otso" by Bayani Agbayani and "Bulaklak" by Viva Hot Babes.

Today, OPM continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The rise of digital platforms has made it easier for independent artists to produce and distribute their music. This has led to a proliferation of new and exciting voices in OPM, creating a diverse and dynamic musical landscape.

One of the most significant challenges facing OPM is the dominance of foreign music in the Philippines. With the advent of music streaming services, Filipinos have easy access to international hits, which can overshadow local music. However, many OPM artists are finding ways to break through and capture the attention of audiences worldwide.

One example of a successful OPM artist who has gained international recognition is Lea Salonga. She is a Tony award-winning singer and actress who has performed on Broadway and in the West End. Her rendition of "Reflection" from the Disney film Mulan is one of the most recognizable OPM songs worldwide.

In conclusion, OPM is a rich and vibrant industry that has given birth to some of the most iconic songs and performers in Filipino music history. It is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Filipino artists, who have adapted and evolved their music to reflect the changing times. While there are challenges ahead, there is no doubt that OPM will continue to flourish and inspire generations of Filipinos for years to come.

Is OPM still competitive of other music

Yes, OPM is still competitive with other music genres and continues to thrive in the Philippines. While foreign music still dominates the airwaves and streaming platforms, OPM remains a significant force in the country's music industry.

OPM has produced many successful artists who have achieved great commercial success and critical acclaim. For example, the band Ben&Ben has gained a massive following in the Philippines and has even been recognized internationally. Their songs have topped local charts and have been streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Another example is Sarah Geronimo, a singer, actress, and television personality who has been one of the biggest names in OPM for over a decade. She has won numerous awards for her music and has even been recognized by Forbes Asia as one of the region's most influential celebrities.

OPM artists have also found success in the international market. For instance, the band IV of Spades gained popularity on YouTube, and their music has been featured in international music festivals. They have also been recognized by MTV Europe as one of the Best Southeast Asian Acts.

Moreover, the OPM industry has continued to evolve and adapt to changing trends in music. Many OPM artists have embraced new genres like electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and R&B, bringing a fresh perspective to Filipino music.

In summary, while OPM faces stiff competition from foreign music, it remains competitive and continues to produce successful and influential artists. OPM's ability to evolve and adapt to changing trends in music has allowed it to remain a relevant and important part of the Philippine music scene.

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Wazzup Pilipinas features lifestyle, events, travel, food, tech, advocacy, entertainment and other informative news

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Filipino poets, authors, and painters contribute to Philippine pop culture through their literary and artistic creations. Filipino artists address topics of identity, history, and social challenges in everything from traditional folk art to contemporary masterpieces, enhancing the cultural landscape of the Philippines and beyond.

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Filipino Artists/Art News

Silverlens presents "Love is Like a Heat Wave", a major solo exhibition of the late Filipina-American artist Pacita Abad. from 13 February to 16 March 2024 in Manila. ove is Like a Heat Wave celebrates the 20th anniversary of Circles in My Mind, Pacita's landmark exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The exuberant exhibition would serve as the final presentation of the artist's work, before her passing in 2004. PACITA ABAD
"Love is Like a Heat Wave"

https://www.silverlensgalleries.com/artists/pacita-abad

The first retrospective of the Filipino artist Pacita Abad (who died in 2004), at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (21 October 2023 - 28 January 2024), presented more than 40 works, including her famous trapunto paintings: padded and quilted canvases that Pacita Abad adorned with materials and methods that she studied throughout her life. In a career spanning 32 years, this prolific artist has produced a large number of works of art that cover a wide range of subjects - from colourful masks to complex underwater scenes and abstract compositions - revealing visual, material and conceptual concerns that still resonate today. This exhibition celebrates Abad's bold self-determination, commitment to social justice, and radical artistic experimentation for which she received critics. PACITA ABAD
Retrospective

Pacita Abad · SFMOMA

From 11 January 2024 to 2 March 2024, Silverlens New York presents "The Other Shore", a solo exhibition by Filipino artist Wawi Navarroza. This is Wawi Navarroza's very first solo exhibition in the United States after more than a quarter of a century as a photographer. Oscillating between cobbled-together self-portraits and still lifes, her choices of colour, props and poses reveal cultural signifiers that tell the story of her encounter with the different cultures in which she lives. WAWI NAVARROZA
The Other Shore

Silverlens (silverlensgalleries.com)

Filipino Artists. Profiles, Works & Exhibitions

Sales of Philippine contemporary art amounted to $8,034,058, according to the Artprice 2022 report. Some artists' works can fetch high prices, such as Ronald Ventura, who ranked 87th in the Artprice 2020/2021 Top 500 Contemporary Artists in the World with a turnover of $4,360,764. His work 'Party Animal' sold for $2,477,653.39 at Christie's HK on 24 May 2021. Locally, the market continues to grow with two auction houses in Makati: León Gallery and Salcedo Auctions. The growth of the Art Fair Philippines is also contributing to the market.

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The creativity of Filipino contemporary artists

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Philippines contemporary art. 2024/News, exhibitions of Philippines contemporary artists: Leslie de Chavez, Ronald Ventura, Pacita Abad, Ryan Villamael

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Ma' Rosa Official Trailer-Ma’ Rosa is the thrilling Brillante Mendoza-directed drama about Rosa, played by industry veteran Jaclyn Jose. Jose was lauded for her acting and bagged the Palm d’Or Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, the same year it was released. 

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Filipino films and TV dramas are renowned for their rich emotional content, captivating narratives, and ensembles of actors. Filipino films, whether they are hilarious comedies, action-packed thrillers, or love stories, are well-liked by viewers both domestically and abroad.

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Social Media Trends: Viral challenges, memes, and trends continue to dominate online discussions on social media platforms, which continue to have a major influence on Philippine pop culture. Filipinos regularly contribute to the creation of shareable content and the development of digital trends, from TikTok dance challenges to Twitter hashtag campaigns.

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Ready to Master Social Media in the Philippines? Spiralytics offers effective tools and strategies to help you achieve business success. Learn more about our social media services.
Social media is one of the world's top communication channels-if not the top. Since its rise to popularity, it has impacted not only how people communicate but also how they live. From food and medication to education and work, social media bridges the physical and virtual worlds, making connections easier.

To showcase social media's effects, let's take a look at the numbers. According to Statista, the world's social media user count was 4.26 billion people. In a more local setting, in 2021, the Philippines ranked first with the highest social media usage rate. The country's average daily use was over four hours, which is 60% higher than normal.

Some of the most popular social media platforms in the Philippines include:

These platforms have specific user bases that just about any business can tap into and capitalize on. Relevant social media statistics in the Philippines provide marketers with insight into the power of adopting digital media to their strategies.

The infographic below will give you a comprehensive look into social media in the Philippines, its history, how it's affecting the Filipino population, and what the trends say about its future.

The History of Social Media in the Philippines

Before getting into social media's start in the Philippines, let's first explore when the country connected with the international web. On March 29, 1994, Benjie Tan started the Philippines' first internet connection via a PLDT network center in Makati City.

Since establishing the country's link to the international web, the digitalization of the Philippines slowly gained traction. In 2002, Friendster was one of the first social media networking platforms to penetrate and thrive in the country.

At its peak, Friendster had over 8 million users. The site's main feature was its Testimonials section, known locally as "testi." It was a section of a user's profile where users could leave comments about the person, whether it be a lengthy essay describing how they met or how appreciative they were of each other.

Of course, while Facebook has taken over Friendster as the most used app in the country, that's not to discredit the other platforms making it big in Philippine cyberspace. You can find some of the current statistics and facts about social media in the Philippines below. You can used this information as leverage in choosing the proper social channel.

Social Media Statistics in the Philippines

1. There were 76.01 million social media users in the Philippines in 2022 - Meltwater

2. 82.4% of Filipinos are social media account holders - Meltwater

3. The Philippines ranks second worldwide in average daily social media usage at 4 hours and 6 minutes - Meltwater

4. The Philippines saw a 3.4% increase in social media users from 2021 to 2022 - Meltwater

5. As of July 2022, Facebook accounts for around 91.1% of the Philippine's social media market - Statista

6. The number of Instagram users in the Philippines is projected to increase to 18.53 million users by 2025 - Statista

7. Twitter had 10.50 million users in the Philippines in early 2022 - DataReportal

8. YouTube had 56.50 million users in the Philippines in early 2022 - DataReportal

9. TikTok had 35.96 million users aged 18 and above in the Philippines in early 2022 - DataReportal

Facts About Social Media In The Philippines

1. The Philippines is the social media capital of the world - Statista

2. Facebook is the most used social media platform in the Philippines - MeltWater

3. 51.4% of all users in the Philippines follow celebrities and influencers - Meltwater

4. 97.2% of users in the Philippines prefer using mobile phones when accessing social media - MeltWater

5. Filipinos rank globally as some of the most active internet users - Rappler

Various social media channels have their own impact that helps make them effective business tools. Here are some social media trends in the Philippines.

Social Media Trends in the Philippines

1. The rise of Instagram reels and their contribution to marketing success

One of the most prominent social media trends in the Philippines is the rise of short-form videos. One example is Instagram reels which people have been using to get more IG followers. In 2021, the Instagram reels feature-more commonly known as IG reels- entered the Philippines. Businesses now have an additional means of advertising their goods and services by capitalizing on the short-form videos slowly taking over cyberspace.

2. Brand partnerships with influencers on social media

Influencer marketing has been around for quite some time. This type of marketing leverages an influencer's following to get more conversions. While this technique isn't new, it still proves very effective.

Almost 70% of people bought a product due to an influencer's recommendation. Moreover, it's also significantly less expensive than reaching the same audiences with paid advertising efforts.

3. The rise of the one-minute video

A one-minute video is meant to be brief, direct, and concise. These time-restricted films are effective because they're quick and fun to consume, making them simple for users to digest or forget. Moreover, these short-form videos are easy on the eyes and have been designed for mobile viewing, so you don't need to hold your phone horizontally to watch a clip.

4. User-generated content

As the COVID-19 pandemic detached Filipinos from their normal daily lives, some social media platforms paved the way for entertainment. However, as the pandemic continued, more people started going down the path of content creation on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. It has become quite a popular trend to write testimonials about various goods and services and post them on their channels for the general public to read.

Leveraging Social Connections

The Philippines has come far since its link to the international web in 1994. Modern-day technologies have paved the way for development and innovations that we continue to use and improve.

From genuine connections to improved business strategies, digital media has proven its advantages and benefits to the modern world. It's safe to say that with the continuous refining of social media marketing in the Philippines, brands can continue their pursuit of the next big thing. With the help of the current trends, backed up by solid facts, curating an effective marketing strategy will be achievable.

If you need help with social media marketing, Spiralytics offers effective tools and strategies to help you achieve business success.

Contact us today at https://www.spiralytics.com/contact-us/.

Philippine Social Media FAQs

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Social Media in the PH: Facts Statistics History & Trends

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Consumers nowadays prefer brands that support responsible marketing. Check out this post to learn about how to be a social champion.

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Filipinos are known for their strong sense of style and fashion, which they use to create distinctive and attractive outfits by combining traditional aspects with modern trends. Filipino designers and fashion enthusiasts leave their impact on the international fashion landscape with everything from streetwear to high couture.

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6 Filipino Designers Making Waves in America — KOLLECTIVE HUSTLE

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From the spreads of the world’s most respected publications to the runways of Fashion Weeks across the globe, Filipinos are dominating the Fashion industry in so many ways. Here are some of the many designers that have left a mark on the United States and beyond.